Zac Lomax has sensationally quit the Eels, who does Jason Ryles turn to as his replacement?

The release of star winger Zac Lomax has left Parramatta with a salary cap war chest and an urgent need to fill three roster spots. Will coach Jason Ryles go to market or stay in-house?

Jason Ryles has made the massive decision to release Zac Lomax, now the Parramatta coach faces another huge call and that is who replaces the winger in 2026 and beyond?

Lomax was sensationally granted a release from the final three years of his deal with the Eels on the eve of what was supposed to be his return to pre-season training on Monday.

It’s expected Lomax is eyeing a lucrative code-switch and will ultimately join rebel rugby union competition R360.

The move is believed to have freed up around $700,000 per season, but also left Ryles searching for a round one replacement.

The obvious choice is experienced campaigner Bailey Simonsson.

But the 27-year-old was overlooked by Ryles at various stages last season causing a rift between the pair, leading to Simonsson asking for a release from his deal, which expires in 2027.

It’s believed the duo’s relationship is now more amicable but Simonsson will have to spend the summer not only proving his worth, but regaining Ryles’ trust.

Who will the Eels turn to as a replacement for Zac Lomax? Picture: NRL Photos

The other option is youngster Jordan Samrani, who was handed his debut by Ryles in 2025 and played 13 games, across centre, wing and the bench, in his rookie season.

But Lomax’s decision to walk away from Parramatta has also opened the door for the club’s crop of young gun outside backs to press their claims for selection over the summer.

Bailey Simonsson hasn’t been top of Jason Ryles’ list in the past. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Richard Penisini is a promising talent at Parramatta.

Richard Penisini, the younger brother of star centre Will, has long been viewed as a genuine NRL prospect and will certainly put his hand up for selection with a strong showing in the pre-season.

The 20-year-old, who boasts plenty of skill and is reliable under the high ball, missed all of 2024 with an ACL injury but played 12 NSW Cup games last year as part of his development towards an NRL start.

As a show of faith in Penisini, the youngster was elevated to a top-30 deal ahead of the 2025 season but his long-term future at the club, alongside brother Will, who is also off-contract is yet to be finalised.

A number of other rising pathways players will also be in the thick of the battle for Lomax’s vacated wing spot, including Araz Nanva and Mohamed Alameddine.

Mohamed Alameddine. Picture: Adam Wrightson Photography.

Alameddine, one of the most exciting outside back prospects at the club and a metre-eating winger, has already got a taste of senior footy playing three NSW Cup games – scoring three tries.

Another of the club’s highly touted rookies is Nanva. The centre, alongside Alameddine, has been training with the NRL squad since early November.

Araz Nanva, pictured for Hills Sports High School. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Nanva, who played a full season of NSW Cup, scoring nine tries, had his efforts over last summer rewarded by Ryles with selection in Parramatta’s first trial match earlier this year.

Both Nanva and Alameddine will be in running to earn a run in February’s pre-season challenge.

While Ryles has the depth to replace Lomax from within his current stocks, the club is also likely to go to market for an outside back.

Lomax’s release will leave Ryles looking to fill three top-30 roster spots before Round 1.

That could soon turn into four spots if forward Ryan Matterson also moves on from the club. Matterson was released for a stint in the Super League but remains contracted to the club for 2026.

The outside back options available for 2026 are slim, and the club is likely to turn to in-house options in the immediate term.

But a number of higher profile targets are still unsigned for 2027 like Cronulla’s Jesse Ramien and Sione Katoa, Dolphins star Jake Averillo and Brisbane’s Jesse Arthars.

Ramien was given permission to talk to rivals before the November 1 deadline, and Cronulla’s salary cap squeeze could become available over the summer.

The salary cap freed-up by Lomax’s departure will also boost the club’s chances of snaring South Sydney forward Keaon Koloamatangi, while Nelson Asofa-Solomona has also been linked to the club as Ryles attempts to beef-up his forward pack.

The Rabbitohs are in talks to retain Koloamatangi, who is said to be asking in the vicinity of $900,000 per season.

Originally published as Zac Lomax has sensationally quit the Eels, who does Jason Ryles turn to as his replacement?