NRL Star Zac Lomax Left ‘Hoodwinked’ as R360 Collapse Leaves Career in Limbo

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V’landys Opens Door for NRL Return, But Eels Reunion Ruled Out

The shock postponement of the proposed rebel rugby competition, R360, has left high-profile signing and former NRL star Zac Lomax facing an uncertain future. After walking away from his lucrative contract with the Parramatta Eels to join the ill-fated venture, the NSW and Australia winger is now reportedly out of pocket and scrambling for a new deal.

R360 announced late Friday that it had failed to secure the necessary investment to launch in 2026, pushing its intended kick-off date back to 2028. This collapse has created a unique predicament for the 26-year-old Lomax, who sensationally quit the Eels 12 months into a four-year deal worth $700,000 a season.

Lomax’s Rugby Dream Turns Nightmare: Failed Overseas Transfer

Lomax’s attempts to secure a short-term contract overseas have so far been unsuccessful. Reports indicate that interest from French rugby clubs has been non-existent, and Japanese clubs have already finalized their rosters for their upcoming season.

His most viable option is now a move to Super Rugby, but this would come with a massive pay cut, forcing him to accept a deal estimated to be worth around $150,000. This drastic drop highlights the financial jeopardy created by the R360 collapse.

The primary obstacle to an immediate NRL return lies in the terms of his exit agreement with Parramatta. Lomax is contractually barred from joining a rival NRL club until the end of 2028, the original expiry date of his Eels contract.

Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos Closes the Door on Comeback

Despite the dilemma, a reunion with Parramatta appears highly unlikely. Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos offered a brief, definitive statement on the matter: “Zac sought a release to pursue opportunities outside the NRL, which we granted him, and we wish him well with it. Our focus is on the players who are at our club. We won’t be making any further comment.”

While the Eels technically could offer Lomax a lesser deal, the statement effectively serves as a clear indication that the club is moving forward without him. For Lomax to play for any other NRL club before 2028, he would first require the Eels’ explicit blessing to waive the clause—a scenario that seems increasingly remote.

V’landys Vindicated: Scepticism Confirmed

ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys has been quick to assert that his long-held skepticism about R360 was justified. V’landys, who famously mocked the venture as coming “out of a cornflakes box,” had previously issued warnings to NRL players about seeking bank guarantees before signing any deal.

V’landys, who previously threatened ten-year bans for players and agents engaged in talks with the rebel league, confirmed that Lomax is welcome to return to the rugby league fold. However, the path back remains severely restricted by his binding agreement with Parramatta. The collapse of R360 leaves Lomax caught between a failed dream and a closed door, forcing a major career reassessment.