Zax Lomax ‘seriously considering’ mega-money switch as Storm remain coy on Ryan Papenhuyzen links
Zac Lomax is reportedly the latest NRL star to be approached by R360 with claims he is ‘considering’ the switch with Ryan Papenhuyzen the highest-profile star linked to a move.
The NRL is bracing for the impact of the new rugby union competition if it gets off the ground with reports huge money is being thrown at rugby league and union stars to lure them over.
One of the biggest names linked to the competition is Papenhuyzen who raised raised eyebrows last year when he only signed a one-year extension to stay with the Storm. Papenhuyzen does have a ‘mutual’ option at the Storm for 2027, meaning the fullback could still remain in Melbourne beyond next season if he and the club reach an agreement.
But it turns out R360 are reportedly very keen on NSW and Australia winger Lomax. Speaking on Triple M Radio, reporter Michael Chammas suggested it was his understanding the European-based competition approached the Eels winger, and he was ‘considering’ the switch on what would most likely be a big offer.
“In the next month or so there will be players making a decision on whether they want to go or not,” Chammas said on Saturday. “We have mentioned Papenhuyzen has met with them, I think Lomax is seriously considering making a defection. Which is an interesting one, considering the fact he is contracted for another three years at Parramatta.
“No confirmation from anyone yet, but my understanding is they have put an offer to Zac Lomax and he is considering his future…it’ll be interesting to see if he wants to take that option that is out there for him at the moment.”
Chammas’ claim is a surprise considering Lomax only just joined the Parramatta Eels in 2025 having taken a pay cut to leave the Dragons. Lomax is contracted through till the end of 2028 and is on an estimated $650,000 a year.
There is no doubt the Eels would not want to let Lomax go with the winger being paid ‘unders’, according to Chammas with his $650,000 considered a steal in the current NRL market. While Lomax’s contract suggests he will remain at the Eels, Melbourne Storm’s CEO addressed the rumours running around their star fullback with no confirmation R360 is even off the ground.
