In a move that signals a significant shift in the rugby league landscape, the Parramatta Eels have granted representative winger Zac Lomax an early release from his contract, clearing his path to join the new R360 competition.
Contract Release and R360 Links
The club officially confirmed the departure on Sunday, stating that Lomax would be leaving to pursue opportunities outside the NRL. This decision brings an end to months of speculation linking the 26-year-old to the breakaway league, which is scheduled to launch late next year.
Lomax's exit follows a similar pattern to that of Melbourne Storm's star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen, who had also been heavily connected with a move to the rival competition. The Eels agreed to Lomax's release on the specific condition that he would not join another NRL club without their express permission, a clause that firmly directs his future towards R360.
NRL's Stance and R360's Global Ambitions
The emergence of R360 has provoked a strong reaction from the established National Rugby League. Australian Rugby League Commission chief Peter V'landys has publicly dismissed the concept, famously labelling it a "competition out of a Corn Flakes box".
Despite this, the NRL is taking the threat seriously, having threatened players and their agents with severe 10-year bans for any defection to the rebel league. Furthermore, most major rugby nations, including Australia, are prepared to blacklist players from Test representation if they sign with R360.
The privately-owned league, which is registered to the United Arab Emirates Rugby Federation, has ambitious global plans. It is set to feature teams in major international cities including:
- London
- Miami
- Tokyo
- Dubai
- Boston
- Cape Town
- Lisbon
- Madrid
Co-founded and fronted by former England rugby star Mike Tindall, the competition aims to field six male and four female teams in its inaugural season and is planning to hold a player draft as soon as July.
Financial Shake-up and Player Movements
The financial power of the new league is becoming increasingly apparent. There have been reported attempts to lure Brisbane, NSW, and Australian star Payne Haas with a staggering salary offer north of $3 million per season. Lomax himself had joined the Eels from St George Illawarra after the 2024 season on a deal reportedly worth around $700,000 annually.
For Parramatta, Lomax's premature departure is not without a silver lining. It frees up valuable space under the NRL's salary cap. The club has recently moved to secure its backline, having re-signed fellow winger Josh Addo-Carr. They are also bolstering their squad with the arrival of Storm playmaker Jonah Pezet, who will join for a one-season cameo before his own scheduled move to the Brisbane Broncos.
This series of events marks a pivotal moment for rugby league, as the sport faces its most significant structural challenge in years, with player loyalties and the balance of power being tested on an international scale.
