Parramatta receives emails from Zac Lomax's lawyer as the ongoing contract dispute unfolds in court proceedings
/ By Jasmine Edwards
Parramatta receives emails from Zac Lomax's lawyer as the ongoing contract dispute unfolds in court proceedings
With an expedited two-day hearing in the NSW Supreme Court looming weeks before the 2026 season, Lomax’s counsel told the Court that subpoenaed records from his solicitor, Ramy Qutami, concerning the player’s departure were being handed to the Eels.
Parramatta have obtained emails sent by the lawyer for former winger Zac Lomax, but—for now—cannot view nine emails sent to his agent.
Those nine emails between Qutami and Lomax’s agent, Clinton Schifcofske, are the subject of a legal‑privilege claim, meaning they will remain confidential unless the Court orders otherwise.
The four-time NRL premiers received the material as they seek to block the NSW State of Origin star from switching to rivals Melbourne Storm.
Melbourne Storm also won more time to produce documents about its pursuit of Lomax, after an initial deadline set for today.
Its new deadline is Monday.
Underscoring the scramble ahead of the February 12–13 hearing, Lomax’s team is already “deep in our preparations” for evidence from their witnesses, Adam Casselden SC said.
Another directions hearing is set for Tuesday.
The Eels are due to file written submissions two days after that, with Lomax’s submissions expected by February 10.
Parramatta’s senior barrister Arthur Moses SC said last week the central question is likely to be whether a clause restricting Lomax from playing for other clubs is valid and enforceable.
It remains unclear whether Parramatta will allege Lomax made misleading statements before obtaining his release to join the R360 competition.
Club executives have previously said the lawsuit followed a deadlock in mediation with Lomax and the Storm.
The 26-year-old received a release from his four-year deal at last season’s end to chase a spot in the rugby union competition R360, which subsequently collapsed.
Following R360’s postponement, the former St George Illawarra star emerged as a natural target for Melbourne, which has farewelled Ryan Papenhuyzen and Nelson Asofa-Solomona since its grand final defeat to Brisbane.
The Eels have said they will only waive their agreement with the winger if Melbourne provides appropriate compensation.
Lomax—a three-cap Australian international who crossed for five tries in six Origin appearances for the Blues—signed with the Eels for 2025 after seeking a release from the final two years of his Dragons contract.
His departure from the Red V appeared driven by frustration at being shifted from centre to wing by St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan.
Meanwhile, the Eels have missed the finals three consecutive seasons, following a run from 2019 to 2022 that culminated in a grand final defeat to competition titans Penrith.
The NRL season opens on March 1 in Las Vegas, with the first game on Australian soil on March 5 between the Storm and Eels.
AAP
Parramatta have obtained emails sent by the lawyer for former winger Zac Lomax, but—for now—cannot view nine emails sent to his agent.
Those nine emails between Qutami and Lomax’s agent, Clinton Schifcofske, are the subject of a legal‑privilege claim, meaning they will remain confidential unless the Court orders otherwise.
The four-time NRL premiers received the material as they seek to block the NSW State of Origin star from switching to rivals Melbourne Storm.
Melbourne Storm also won more time to produce documents about its pursuit of Lomax, after an initial deadline set for today.
Its new deadline is Monday.
Underscoring the scramble ahead of the February 12–13 hearing, Lomax’s team is already “deep in our preparations” for evidence from their witnesses, Adam Casselden SC said.
Another directions hearing is set for Tuesday.
The Eels are due to file written submissions two days after that, with Lomax’s submissions expected by February 10.
Parramatta’s senior barrister Arthur Moses SC said last week the central question is likely to be whether a clause restricting Lomax from playing for other clubs is valid and enforceable.
It remains unclear whether Parramatta will allege Lomax made misleading statements before obtaining his release to join the R360 competition.
Club executives have previously said the lawsuit followed a deadlock in mediation with Lomax and the Storm.
The 26-year-old received a release from his four-year deal at last season’s end to chase a spot in the rugby union competition R360, which subsequently collapsed.
Following R360’s postponement, the former St George Illawarra star emerged as a natural target for Melbourne, which has farewelled Ryan Papenhuyzen and Nelson Asofa-Solomona since its grand final defeat to Brisbane.
The Eels have said they will only waive their agreement with the winger if Melbourne provides appropriate compensation.
Lomax—a three-cap Australian international who crossed for five tries in six Origin appearances for the Blues—signed with the Eels for 2025 after seeking a release from the final two years of his Dragons contract.
His departure from the Red V appeared driven by frustration at being shifted from centre to wing by St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan.
Meanwhile, the Eels have missed the finals three consecutive seasons, following a run from 2019 to 2022 that culminated in a grand final defeat to competition titans Penrith.
The NRL season opens on March 1 in Las Vegas, with the first game on Australian soil on March 5 between the Storm and Eels.
AAP