Eels in talks with Gold Coast Titans over Zac Lomax replacement

Zac Lomax’s sudden exit has put a stretch on Parramatta’s backline stocks, and Titans centre Brian Kelly has emerged as a genuine signing target for the Eels.

Parramatta have launched discussions with the Gold Coast to sign strike centre Brian Kelly for the 2026 season.

In the wake of star winger Zac Lomax’s sudden exit from the NRL club’s roster after just 12-months at the club, the Eels are aiming to restock their stretched backline and it’s Kelly who has emerged as a genuine target.

The Eels, Titans and Kelly’s management are in the process of thrashing out the financial aspect of any potential release of the 29-year-old, who is contracted in 2026 to the Gold Coast.

Brian Kelly has emerged as a target for Parramatta. Picture: Getty Images

Kelly and his management have been informed by the Titans that the Indigenous All Stars representative won’t be re-signed beyond 2026, prompting serious thought to prolonging his career for 2026 and 2027 at the Eels.

As it stands, Parramatta are relying on a backline list of Josh Addo-Carr, Will Penisini, Bailey Simonsson, Sean Russell, Jordan Samrani and Joash Papalii for the 2026 season.

Kelly, with his 190-games of experience and 66-tries for Manly and the Gold Coast, is viewed by the Eels as a player who, at the right price, could prove a valuable addition to the club’s roster.

Kelly has long been regarded as a talented ball-runner, with his defensive lapses a focus area for Jason Ryles, should he eventually land at the blue and golds.

The Eels have at least two roster spots available and salary cap room for 2026, largely due to the exit of Lomax’s near $700,000 salary.

The possibility of Kelly leaving the Titans has emerged in the process of the Gold Coast adjusting their roster and salary cap under new head coach Josh Hannay, as evidenced by the departure of Reagan Campbell-Gillard, David Fifita, Carter Gordon and Alofiana Khan-Perreria, since the coach’s arrival.