MELBOURNE, 20 February 2026 – The Melbourne Storm’s pursuit of NSW Origin star Zac Lomax has escalated into a high-stakes legal and salary cap battle, with the club now facing a desperate race against time following a season-altering injury to winger Xavier Coates.
Coates Injury Triggers Storm Urgency
The Melbourne Storm have been rocked on the eve of the 2026 NRL season with news that star winger Xavier Coates faces at least three months on the sidelines due to a serious Achilles injury. This blow has intensified the club’s efforts to secure Zac Lomax, who remains in a bitter contract stalemate with the Parramatta Eels.
Reports indicate that the Storm and Lomax reached an in-principle, non-binding agreement as early as Christmas Eve 2025. However, the move has been blocked by a release clause in Lomax’s Eels contract, which reportedly prevents him from signing with another NRL club until the end of 2028 without Parramatta’s written consent.
“Apply the Blowtorch”: Leaked Messages and Legal Action
The saga took an “ugly twist” this week following the leak of explosive text messages and court documents. Parramatta has accused the Melbourne Storm of asking the NRL to intervene and “apply the blowtorch” to the Eels to force a release.
The Eels have launched formal court proceedings to enforce the restrictive covenant. In a further complication, it has been revealed that Lomax briefly attempted to “backflip” and return to the Eels after a potential move to rugby union (R360) fell through, but the relationship between the player and the club appears beyond repair.
Salary Cap and Legal Headache
The Storm’s pursuit may carry a heavy financial burden beyond Lomax’s salary. The NRL is currently investigating whether the Storm’s reported promise to cover Lomax’s mounting legal bills should be included under the club’s salary cap. If deemed a “football-related inducement,” it could create a significant cap headache for the Melbourne front office.
Zac Lomax: Career Profile & Stats
Despite the off-field turmoil, Lomax remains one of the most productive outside backs in the competition. Below are his career statistics as of the start of the 2026 season.
| Stat Category | Career Total / Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 24 September 1999 |
| Height / Weight | 190 cm / 105 kg |
| Appearances | 133 |
| Tries | 58 |
| Goals | 368 |
| Total Points | 974 |
| Representative Honours | Australia, NSW Origin, PM XIII, Junior Kangaroos |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Zac Lomax not playing for the Eels?
Lomax was released by the Eels following the 2024 season to pursue other opportunities, including a rumoured switch to rugby union. However, the release included a clause preventing him from joining a rival NRL club without Parramatta’s permission until 2028. When the rugby move failed to materialise, the current legal dispute began.
Will Zac Lomax play in Round 1 of the 2026 season?
It is highly unlikely. With a courtroom showdown between the Storm and Eels locked in, and the NRL yet to register a contract, Lomax is expected to miss the season opener while his playing future is decided by the courts.
What do the Melbourne Storm want from the NRL?
The Storm have reportedly requested the NRL to mediate the dispute, arguing that the restrictive clause in Lomax’s release is an unreasonable restraint of trade. The Eels, conversely, maintain that the contract terms were agreed upon by all parties during his initial release.