Fears for Zac Lomax after brutal pile-on

Melbourne Storm CEO Justin Rodski has spoken of his fears for Zac Lomax’s physical and mental wellbeing as the saga over his NRL future is dragged before the court of law.

Lomax was granted a release from his Parramatta Eels contract last year on the condition he did not sign with another NRL club; this was at a time that the winger believed he had a contract with R360.

The rebel league has since delayed its inaugural season meaning Lomax is without a club.

As such, he held discussions with the Storm about the option of playing in Melbourne for 2026. The Eels have rejected numerous advances by the Storm and began legal proceedings against their former player in a bid to ensure he does not play for a rival club.

With the court hearing due next week, Rodski was limited in how much he could divulge, but he remains steadfast in his view that Lomax will become a Storm player.

“The chances are sitting with the court in NSW,” Rodski told Gerard Whateley on SEN. “That case will happen over five days next week. You speak to different silks and KCs and you get different opinions on where it will land.

“Obviously we are very keen to get Zac to the club. He would be a great addition to our team considering the changes we have had in the off season and the Xavier Coates injury (last week). Zac would add value to our team.

“The court of law will test the case around whether of not the clause in his deed of release was restrain of trade and whether or not Parramatta have acted reasonably when giving consent to him.”

Amid explosive reports that Rodski texted NRL CEO Andrew Abdo in a bid to expedite the deal, he will take to the stand.

It is claimed Rodski wrote: ‘Hi Andrew, not getting anywhere at this point, can you apply the blow torch on parramatta to get this done.’

“I think so, I am a part of the proceedings through my affidavit I am open to cross examination,” Rodski continued. “I played a part in mediation and negotiation when we tried to work with Parra to find an outcome. We didn’t feel going to court was a good outcome for any party in this.

“There’s growing concerns for Zac and his welfare physically and mentally. It’s taken a toll. Theres been a pile on from the media in Sydney. We’re hopeful it’s been resolved and he can come and play for the Storm.

“This has played out in the court of public opinion and it will now play out in the court of law.”