Zac Lomax’s prospects of returning to the NRL after the postponement of R360 appear to be slim, with doubts cast over Parramatta’s interest in bringing him back. The Eels released the representative winger from the final three years of his $700,000 a season deal, despite Lomax only playing one season for the club after his switch from the Dragons.
It was widely expected that Lomax’s release had paved the way for his switch to R360 next year. That was until organisers of the rebel rugby competition announced that it would be delayed until 2028, amid widespread reports they’d failed to acquire sufficient financial backing or players to kick off the competition in 2026.
The R360 postponement has left the future of a number of NRL stars in doubt, including Lomax and Ryan Papenhuyzen – who’ve both been linked with big-money switches to the rebel rugby competition. ARLC boss Peter V’landys previously threatened 10-year NRL bans for R360 defectors but confirmed Lomax and Papenhuyzen would be free to return after describing them as ‘victims’ of the rebel competition.
“Naturally Ryan and Zac are most welcome to come back,” V’landys told AAP. “They were just victims of the mirage, (It’s) no surprise. Their current business model was never going to work. It’s a shame so many people were hoodwinked.”
I think you will find coaching staff and management weren't to upset when agreeing the release clause and freeing up his salary. Remember Lomax was a pre Ryles signing. Don't think Lomax suits Ryles buy in atmosphere he is creating
— Daniel Brincat (@danb1378) December 1, 2025
Papenhuyzen is likely to attract interest from a number of NRL clubs after being granted a release from the Melbourne Storm. However, a condition of Lomax’s release from the Eels means he can’t play for another NRL club until 2029, unless Parramatta grants him permission to do so.
I mean if he was willing to leave after 1 year for a non-existent code I wouldn’t want him back either. We need players who want to play for us.
— Jarrad (@GameWiz1305) December 1, 2025
Doubts raised over Zac Lomax rejoining Parramatta Eels
The former Origin and Kangaroos winger could return to the Eels but league journalist Michael Chammas said Parramatta’s willingness to cut ties with Lomax shows they have other priorities. “I don’t think Parramatta are going to be (interested in getting Lomax back),” Chammas told Triple M.
“They think that money can be better spent elsewhere on the roster… There will be half a dozen teams who will fall over to sign Zac Lomax. And it’s not like he was on a huge deal at the Eels, what was it 650 – 700 (thousand dollars a season.”
Zac Lomax could make rugby switch amid uncertain future
Lomax was linked with a switch to Japanese or French rugby before his expected move to R360 and they remain his most likely landing spots. The French competition kicked off in September but Lomax could be signed as a medical replacement if clubs face mid-season injury dilemmas.
While Japanese rugby squads have been largely finalised ahead of a their season kick-off later this month. It means Lomax is considered more of a long-shot to move to Japan, but his manager Clinton Scifcofske told Code Sports a decision on his future is expected to be made shortly.
“Zac has options,” Scifcoske said. “Zac has always been interested in other things so he can pick and choose now. There’s no shortage of interest. We’ll make a final decision shortly.”
One of those options is understood to be a shock career switch to boxing or MMA, with Lomax reportedly training most days at the Wollongong gym of UFC featherweight star Alexander Volkanovski. Another option would be for Lomax to join an Australian Super Rugby franchise, but any deal would be a fraction of the $700,000 a season he was on at the Eels.
But former Wallabies star and dual code international Lote Tuqiri reckons a switch to the 15-man-a-side game would be the best move for Lomax with a Rugby World Cup on the horizon. Tuqiri insists there are ‘spots available’ in the Wallabies’ squad and that Lomax’s game suits rugby perfectly.
“Lomax would be successful in rugby union. He is great under the high ball, he’s one of the best exponents in rugby league, he is a goal kicker, a big body, he’s aggressive and has a kicking game,” he told CODE Sports. “He should go chase the money overseas, come back for a Super Rugby season and then have a crack at the World Cup.”
