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'Apply the Blow Torch' - Stoush over Lomax Ramps Up
Lomax's clearance is stalled by a legal dispute over a contract clause with Parramatta, with Melbourne's offers rejected and the hearing set days before Round 1.
- On March 2, 2026 the NSW Supreme Court will begin a five-day hearing that could decide Zac Lomax's clearance, making his Round 1 debut against Parramatta on March 5 uncertain.
- Parramatta says Lomax's release included a clause barring him from signing with another NRL club until the end of 2028 without written consent, central to the court case after R360's delay until at least 2028.
- Storm offered $200,000, then $300,000, and later $211,000 in salary-cap relief plus an $89,000 transfer fee, all rejected by Parramatta.
- Melbourne Storm's squad faces strain after key injuries, with a trial vs Canberra in Queanbeyan on Friday as Bellamy, who recently re-signed, considers youth options like Nick Meaney and Hugo Peel.
- In court documents viewed by AAP on Friday, Parramatta says Melbourne CEO Justin Rodski 'asked to apply the blow torch' to pressure the club, and Abdo denied any league threats, court documents allege.
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‘Apply the blow torch’ – Stoush over Lomax ramps up
Melbourne have been accused of asking NRL CEO Andrew Abdo to “apply a blow torch” to Parramatta, as part of a desperate bid to sign Zac Lomax to the Storm. Lomax’s battle to join Melbourne for 2026 is set to go before the NSW Supreme Court on March 2, with Parramatta refusing to grant him permission to link with the Storm. The Eels are adamant Lomax knew he would need their permission to play for another NRL club before the end of 2028 when he w…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources10
Leaning Left3Leaning Right2Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution43% Left
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources lean Left
43% Left
L 43%
C 29%
R 28%
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