The NRL has been subpoenaed in the Zac Lomax–Parramatta Eels stand-off, according to reports
The National Rugby League (NRL) has been formally dragged into the Zac Lomax–Parramatta Eels contract stand‑off, after the club's lawyers issued a subpoena compelling head office to hand over documents relating to Melbourne Storm's pursuit of the star winger.
According to a Fox Sports report, the subpoena was issued in the NSW Supreme Court on Wednesday, with the NRL given just 48 hours to produce the material, much shorter than the usual two weeks.
The documents are expected to include text messages and emails detailing the league's dealings with the Storm over Lomax's potential move, Fox Sports reported.
The development escalates an already high‑profile legal battle over Lomax's playing future for the 2026 season and puts the NRL's handling of the dispute under direct judicial scrutiny.
Eels seek evidence of NRL's role
The subpoena follows earlier court documents in which Parramatta alleged that Melbourne had asked the NRL to "apply the blowtorch" on the Eels to break the stalemate and clear the way for Lomax to sign with the Storm.
Parramatta now wants to see precisely what communications took place between the league and Melbourne. Lawyers for the club are expected to argue on Monday about whether any documents produced by the NRL can be admitted as evidence at the main hearing, now set for 13 March.
The move underscores Parramatta's concern that, in their view, third parties may have helped engineer a path for Lomax to join Melbourne despite a restraint clause the Eels say prevents him from playing for another NRL club without their consent.
Storm chairman to be grilled
A central figure in that alleged push is Storm chairman Matt Tripp, whom Parramatta's senior counsel has described as a "centre player" and "strategist" in Melbourne's bid to secure Lomax.
"He is the one who has given comfort to Mr Lomax by having the Melbourne Storm not only reach an agreement with him in respect of him playing with the Storm subject to contractual terms, but also indemnifying him in respect of the restraint that is now being said is invalid," said Eels' legal counsel, Arthur Moses, as quoted by Fox Sports.
"Him and his lawyers not only assisted in the drafting of it, but agreed to its terms. He is a strategist behind the matter – he is not a witness."
Tripp is currently in Las Vegas and is not due back in Australia until March 11, according to Fox Sports. Parramatta successfully argued that cross‑examining him via video link would put them at a disadvantage, leading the court to push the main hearing back to March 13 so he can give evidence in person.
'No rival club' deed
The Supreme Court clash traces back to Lomax's early exit deal with Parramatta.
The New South Wales and Australia representative had signed long‑term with the Eels but was released at the end of 2025 to join proposed rebel rugby competition R360, on the condition he would not play for another NRL club without Parramatta’s consent until the end of 2028.
But with R360 now delayed to at least 2028, Lomax is left without a club for 2026 and Melbourne has moved to sign him to shore up its back line.
Parramatta argues he is trying to walk away from the deed by joining the Storm without what the Eels see as proper compensation, whether via a player swap or cash.
The Eels have gone to the Supreme Court to enforce the "no rival NRL club" clause, saying the case is simply about whether Lomax must honour that restraint.
His lawyers counter that the restriction is invalid or unenforceable and may amount to an unlawful restraint of trade, especially now that the R360 option has effectively vanished.
