NRL dragged into court case between Parramatta Eels and Zac Lomax

The NRL has been dragged into the Zac Lomax legal stoush after Parramatta issued an urgent subpoena to obtain documents relating to head office’s involvement in the matter.

Parramatta began legal proceedings to prevent Lomax from joining the Storm, given his release from a four-year contract was contingent on the Eels providing written consent. The Blues winger was granted a release to join rebel rugby competition R360, but has been left in limbo after its inaugural season was put back until 2028.

The Eels enjoyed a mini victory ahead of next week’s hearing by ensuring Melbourne chairman Matt Tripp has to testify in person, rather via video link. Now lawyers acting for the blue and golds have requested the NRL to hand over all information relating to its involvement in the Lomax saga.

Parties are normally given two weeks to comply with subpoena requests, but the NRL will be required to provide materials to the court by Friday. There is then expected to be legal argument on Monday as to whether they are admissible at the hearing.

Parramatta powerbrokers privately believe the NRL has sided with Melbourne in the matter.

In explosive documents tendered to the Supreme Court, it was revealed Storm chief executive Justin Rodski allegedly sent a text message to NRL CEO Andrew Abdo stating: “Hi Andrew, not getting anywhere at this point, can you apply the blow torch on parramatta [sic] to get this done.”

Rodski added: “Lomax staying in the NRL is obviously a win for the game.”

According to a document tendered to the court by the Eels: “This message was an attempt to use the NRL to place pressure on the Parramatta Eels to resolve the matter on terms acceptable to the Melbourne Storm.

“During negotiations, this communication was not disclosed by the Melbourne Storm to the Parramatta Eels. It is not known whether any other communications have occurred between the NRL and the Melbourne Storm concerning the placing of pressure or otherwise on the Parramatta Eels to accept offers made by the Melbourne Storm.”