Zac Lomax released by Parramatta Eels as rumours of R360 mega-deal swirl
Australian flyer Zac Lomax has sensationally quit Parramatta just one year into a four-year contract — and the day before he was meant to return to pre-season training.
Australian flyer Zac Lomax has sensationally quit Parramatta just one year into a four-year contract, fuelling speculation he is set to ink a deal with rebel rugby union competition R360.
Lomax and the Eels have agreed to part ways before the NSW and Kangaroos winger was due to return to pre-season training on Monday.
“The Parramatta Eels can confirm that Zac Lomax has been granted an immediate release from his playing contract to pursue opportunities outside the NRL,” the Eels said in a statement.
“The club would like to thank Zac for his contribution during his time with the Eels in 2025 and we wish him all the best for his future.”
This masthead first reported Lomax’s interest in switching codes in August. Since then the Eels and Lomax have had open dialogue about the prospect of Lomax being granted an early release.
That all came to a head in recent days with Lomax out the door before returning for training.
Under the release, Lomax will be unable to play for another NRL club until 2029 unless Parramatta grant him permission to do so.
That clause may be irrelevant if Lomax does pursue R360 given the NRL have threatened 10-year bans on any player or agent who joins the competition, which is due to start next year.
There were also discussions around a release fee. Lomax was on a deal worth about $700,000 a season with Parramatta after taking a pay cut to join the Eels from St George Illawarra last season.
He is expected to earn almost double that a season if he joins R360.
Lomax will almost certainly end up playing rugby. The Australian Rugby Union has been mentioned as a potential destination while France and Japan are also options.
The 26-year-old’s stint at Parramatta lasted just 19 games after signing under ex-Parramatta coach Brad Arthur.
He made his Australian and NSW debut in 2024. Lomax would have gone on the Ashes tour but withdrew because of injury.
The Lomax decision follows that of Ryan Papenhuyzen, who recently quit the Storm with one year left on his contract.
The former Melbourne fullback has also been linked with a switch to R360.
Papenhuyzen and Lomax share the same management stable.
The Broncos are also sweating on superstar Payne Haas, who has a mega deal on the table from R360 which could see him pocket near $3 million a season to leave the NRL when his contract expires at the end of next season.
Warriors veteran Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is also expected to join R360.
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