Sources have confirmed the NRL is prepared to step in if the Eels are not prepared to budget and accept any “reasonable offers” from the Storm or any rival club in the market for the 26-year-old.
Lomax is a NSW Origin representative, was part of the initial Kangaroos Ashes squad and the NRL doesn’t want to lose a player of his caliber if he can be retained.
Neither the Eels nor Lomax want a reunion. After losing Lomax, Parramatta signed Brian Kelly from the Gold Coast.
The NRL has been contacted for comment, while the Eels and Storm said there were no new developments on Monday. Lomax’s attorney, Ramy Qutami, also declined to comment.
Some rival clubs made it clear during the CEOs’ conference call last Wednesday that they wanted the NRL to back Parramatta’s tough stance on Lomax. During that meeting, Storm chief executive Justin Rodski was forced to defend the club’s pursuit of the outfield star.
Lomax, who posted a photo of himself in what appeared to be a Melbourne Renegades Big Bash match at the weekend, has been trying to stay in peak physical condition while awaiting the result.
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Any deal presented by the Storm will be for more than one season. Lomax’s ability to play multiple positions in the back line is appealing and adds depth to a squad that includes winger Will Warbrick (who struggled with concussion symptoms for most of last season) and young No.1 Sua Faalogo (who is likely to need physical and mental rest at some point in the campaign).
Lomax’s management confirmed on a podcast late last week that ARL commission chairman Peter V’landys was happy to welcome Lomax back to the NRL and the threat of 10-year bans did not apply as the NSW Origin representative never signed a contract with R360.
Super Rugby clubs Western Force and ACT Brumbies they wanted to sign Lomax, only for him to change his mind after Christmas.
Eels chief executive Jim Sarantinos said last week: “As far as we’re concerned, we’re not going to agree to sign him with another club unless there’s a corresponding exchange of value.
“A representative player has left our roster and now wants to join another club’s roster.”
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