the reality is that two of the game’s best players in Zac Lomax and Ryan Papenhuyzen have left the NRL with time remaining on their contracts.
Even if they aren’t R360 bound, has the prospect of that competition planted enough of a seed for some of the game’s best to start considering a move?
And that’s even before we get to the fact that Payne Haas is weighing up a payday which could see him pocket $3 million a season.
Is Zac Lomax headed to rebel competition R360 after sensationally quitting Parramatta? Michael Carayannis breaks down the stunning news.
This move hasn’t come as a surprise to the Eels. Word of a post-game conversation between Lomax and fellow heavily-linked R360 prospect Roger Tuivasa-Sheck quickly made its way back to the Eels after Parramatta took on the Warriors in their round 26 clash in Auckland.
Some at the Eels had been warned against signing Lomax given the way he exited the Dragons, but his form last year was so good they thought they had a match winner on a long-term deal.
He gave Parramatta good service but the reality is that it lasted just 19 games.
Zac Lomax played 19 games for the Eels. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images
Zac Lomax played 19 games for the Eels. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images
For the Eels, they have cleared significant money out of their cap. Lomax was signed as a centre under former coach Brad Arthur and new coach Jason Ryles was willing to give him a crack at his preferred spot.
But Ryles soon followed Shane Flanagan’s path from last season and realised Lomax was one of the game’s best wingers.
It is why Lomax made his Australian and NSW debut despite a reluctance to play on the flank at the Dragons. He didn’t play another game for Parramatta at centre after round five.
Parramatta’s interest in former Storm big man Nelson Asofa-Solomona is genuine and now they have some money to pursue the Kiwis prop.
They still have Ryan Matterson on their books with the one-time NSW forward due to return in a week for pre-season training.
As for the NRL? Well R360 apparently wants the players they have signed to start making formal announcements within weeks.
It could leave the NRL with the worst kind of Christmas present especially if Haas finds a big pay cheque under his tree.