Rumoured Signings

[Fangs]

It's a head scratcher.

Do they want lomax at fullback ? Or maybe move Coates to FB ?

Storm backline is stacked, Fullback is the only potential weak spot.

Another possible option:

1. Meaney / Fa'alogo
2. Lomax
3. Howarth
4. Anderson / Meaney
5. Coates

Aerial threats both sides of the field. That was one of their pet plays in 2025 now they can have it on both edges.

Though its probably more likely that they want to try Lomax at centre again.

Warbrick is a guy they would probably release to the Eels. Either you throw in a second player or send over a juicy transfer fee if allowed.

 

[Chimp]

One thing that does make me laugh about Lomax - that boy can negotiate a pay reduction better than anyone I’ve ever heard of. I doubt the Storm will pay him even what the Eels were paying him.
Chase the fools gold, come out worse off…. Idiot.

 

[Valheru]

The NRL need to be strong in its support of the club, let’s see if PVL and Abdo remain tough. No one can be sure of the outcome, but they can refuse to register the players contract, they should stand firm

The NRL have already said he and Paps are welcome back so this seems an issue between the two clubs

 

[taste2taste]

This is giving off Izzy Faloua vibes.

The clubs dilly dallying and he goes off to union.

I'm not a Lomax fan but it would be a shame to lose him to rara

 

[taste2taste]

One thing that does make me laugh about Lomax - that boy can negotiate a pay reduction better than anyone I’ve ever heard of. I doubt the Storm will pay him even what the Eels were paying him.
Chase the fools gold, come out worse off…. Idiot.

2024 - 850k at Dragons
2025 - 700k at Eels
2026 - 400k from Union.

At this rate he'll be playing for free by 2027

 

[taste2taste]

Another possible option:

1. Meaney / Fa'alogo
2. Lomax
3. Howarth
4. Anderson / Meaney
5. Coates

Aerial threats both sides of the field. That was one of their pet plays in 2025 now they can have it on both edges.

Though its probably more likely that they want to try Lomax at centre again.

Warbrick is a guy they would probably release to the Eels. Either you throw in a second player or send over a juicy transfer fee if allowed.

Has Warbrick fallen that far down the pecking order?

Perhaps Storm see Lomax as an upgrade on Warbrick at wing ? or better center than meaney at center ?

 

[Fangs]

Has Warbrick fallen that far down the pecking order?

Perhaps Storm see Lomax as an upgrade on Warbrick at wing ? or better center than meaney at center ?

No idea. But he only played 7 games last year.

 

[The Teach]

Another possible option:

1. Meaney / Fa'alogo
2. Lomax
3. Howarth
4. Anderson / Meaney
5. Coates

Anderson signed with the Broncos

 

[gerg]

Eels already signed Brian Kelly and they have Penisini. Why would they need Howarth? Ryles knows the Storm's roster so he'd Shirley have a player he'd really want.

 

[Bazal]

Eels already signed Brian Kelly and they have Penisini. Why would they need Howarth? Ryles knows the Storm's roster so he'd Shirley have a player he'd really want.

Because Kelly is shit and at the moment Jake Tago is probably a genuine chance at first grade this year.

That said I don't want Howarth anyway. Severely overrated. But we're light on the backs and Russell is off to the Bears next year too.

Tbh there's no one I'd really want from the Storm. Well, in areas of need anyway and realistically a chance. You'd obviously take Coates for Lomax for eg. Or Katoa before Tonga decided brains are better scrambled, but not now the poor f**ker

 

[gerg]

Because Kelly is shit and at the moment Jake Tago is probably a genuine chance at first grade this year.

That said I don't want Howarth anyway. Severely overrated. But we're light on the backs and Russell is off to the Bears next year too.

Tbh there's no one I'd really want from the Storm. Well, in areas of need anyway and realistically a chance. You'd obviously take Coates for Lomax for eg. Or Katoa before Tonga decided brains are better scrambled, but not now the poor f**ker

I wouldn't say Kelly is shit. I think he is inconsistent and was pretty poor overall last year. But prior to last year he has played some really top shelf games.

Eels should hold firm and demand an unrealistic trade. That way they're not technically impeding Lomax returning to the NRL. Demand a Harry Grant trade and when Storm refuse Eels can just say "oh damn, we really tried to make it happen but just couldn't reach an agreement. Sorry."

 

[Bazal]

I wouldn't say Kelly is shit. I think he is inconsistent and was pretty poor overall last year. But prior to last year he has played some really top shelf games.

Eels should hold firm and demand an unrealistic trade. That way they're not technically impeding Lomax returning to the NRL. Demand a Harry Grant trade and when Storm refuse Eels can just say "oh damn, we really tried to make it happen but just couldn't reach an agreement. Sorry."

Nah I don't rate Kelly. Defends like tissue paper.

That's exactly what I'd do otherwise though. Except Coates, in case they say yes for some mental reason. What's Lomax gonna do, argue that he's too shit for the trade to be realistic? He's a walk up Origin start.

 

[Apey]

Warbrick might be cooked tbh he sat out the majority of the season with symptoms from a concussion from what, pre-season? Then was less than impressive when he came back. Meaney leaving next year, there's some holes in their allegedly stacked backline.

 

[Wb1234]

 

[Fangs]

Well done Parra.

 

[Wb1234]

“Parramatta have identified Xavier Coates, Stefano Utoikamanu or Jack Howarth as the three players they are prepared to take in exchange for allowing Zac Lomax to join the Melbourne Storm.”

IMO stefano has been average at best but their forward pack is a bit weak esp with Katoa out for a season

No way Lomax is close to Coates

 

[Someone2]

They’ll need to send one on their young props with Howarth

don’t want stefano again

 

[marshall stalin]

Time for an Internal Draft. Newcastle Knights would get first shot at Lomax if he was deemed the number one draft pick.

 

[Rabbit toes]

Time for an Internal Draft. Newcastle Knights would get first shot at Lomax if he was deemed the number one draft.

If it meant Lomax would bail on the knights after 1 season to further f**k up his career, I’m all for it!

 

[Saxon]

“Parramatta have identified Xavier Coates, Stefano Utoikamanu or Jack Howarth as the three players they are prepared to take in exchange for allowing Zac Lomax to join the Melbourne Storm.”

IMO stefano has been average at best but their forward pack is a bit weak esp with Katoa out for a season

No way Lomax is close to Coates

Coates for Lomax?

Parra are living in cloud cuckoo land.