Rumours and Stuff

[Delboy]

He’s a professional athlete and has apparently had 2 offers from union to play and get paid, he signed a document with legal advice. Which only related to playing NRL , it hasn’t been a full restraint of trade. As a professional he has opportunities, interesting that within the NRL the only club willing to break such a contract is the Storm, no surprise really given how they have always behaved.

 

[Grigor]

Parramatta have also worked with the other 15 clubs to get him a start at one of those clubs and Zac knocked the eels back , there is no restraint of trade , it's interesting Melbourne storm and Schifcofske have now been subpoenaed to appear , I'd guess this will go deeper than Zac when it all winds up

 

[Sensei Cobra]

Interesting. On one hand you might see Penisini flying with this. On the other side I feel like it would be targeted in attack by every team and I’m not sure it won’t leak a lot of points.

I’m keen on Kelly/Fox and Penisini/ Russell.

Samrani and Simmo to fight out for spots

I’m with you Stevie .. I reckon that’s the most likely combo

 

[Eelementary]

My mate who has a law degree but does not work as a lawyer reckons we are no chance, Restraint of Trade and we will lose. He points out that just because we put something in a contract, it doesn't mean it's legal, and the courts will agree with Zach. I disagree but of course, my training extends no further than Yr 12 Legal Studies in 1995 which admittedly I was very good at.

I am not a legal expert, but I would wager that our defence would be something along the lines of, "It's not a restraint of trade - you can go play lawn bowls for all we care. But you cannot play for another NRL team until 2029 without our permission, as per the deal that you agreed to in writing."

If the courts would side with Zac because he's been negatively impacted, surely that same line of thought applies to the club - we've been screwed by his behaviour.

We didn't have to agree to release him - we could have made him sit out his contract.

But we let him go.

And now, he's being an absolute merkin about it.

I hope a steps on a billion pieces of Lego.

 

[Pazza]

arent all contracts a restraint of trade?

 

[Eelementary]

100% and it really does depend on the wording.

And the quality of the legal counsel.

A good lawyer - which we do have - can do wonders with interpretations of the law.

Not to mention that I am sure our counsel will rightfully point out what an unreliable, conniving little bitch Lomax is, by trying to weasel out of his third written agreement in 18 months...

 

[Poupou Escobar]

arent all contracts a restraint of trade?

They are trade. The player gets cash in return for not being able to get cash elsewhere. In this case Lomax isn't getting anything in exchange for not playing in the NRL. You could argue he could go somewhere else, but the much money is much less than he could get in our competition.

 

[Chipmunk]

Or vice versa for players if he loses

I guess you're general thoughts on signing a contract like that is that you would abide by it though.

 

[Noise]

If Lomax wins then doesn’t it set a precedent for every non-compete clause in the country?

 

[emjaycee]

I'm not a lawyer so I asked ChatGPT what the Clubs chances were in Court.

In Australia, non-compete clauses are treated more favourably in professional sport than in ordinary employment because courts recognise the need to protect competition integrity, club investment, and league stability. Where a professional sportsman is on a fixed-term contract and requests early release, a restraint that prevents them from playing for direct competitors only until the original contract expiry is generally viewed as reasonable. The key point is that the player is not being restrained for any longer than they already agreed to — they are simply being released from playing obligations, not from the original exclusivity.


Courts also place significant weight on player consent and consideration in this scenario. The club gives up its contractual right to the player’s services, which constitutes fresh consideration, and the restraint is narrow rather than an industry-wide ban. Because the player can usually still earn a living by playing overseas, switching codes, or sitting out the remainder of the term, public-policy concerns are reduced. Taken together, this makes such a non-compete highly likely to be enforceable in Australian courts, provided it is clearly drafted and limited to genuine competitors.

 

[Pazza]

They are trade. The player gets cash in return for not being able to get cash elsewhere. In this case Lomax isn't getting anything in exchange for not playing in the NRL. You could argue he could go somewhere else, but the much money is much less than he could get in our competition.

Yes but that is what he agreed to when he seeked a release.

By entering into a contract you are making your trade exclusive for a period of time.

Surely agreements between parties need to actually mean something or as a society we are in a bit of trouble.

 

[85 Baby]

They are trade. The player gets cash in return for not being able to get cash elsewhere. In this case Lomax isn't getting anything in exchange for not playing in the NRL.

I assume we paid him a not insubstantial amount on release. Obviously not the full amount of his contract but just because we paid it at release, doesn’t mean it’s effect doesn’t cover the full non-compete term.

You could argue he could go somewhere else, but the much money is much less than he could get in our competition.

Irrelevant the amount of money he would earn elsewhere, it’s whether he is being stopped from using his individual skill to earn any income, and we have a number of dual internationals, Folau, cutie, Gallen, NAS & Lomax’s own admission of leaving to play R360 and his own words that he might do MMA or boxing instead.

 

[85 Baby]

I guess your general thoughts on signing a contract like that is that you would abide by it though.

Well that’s every contract except the ones Lomax signs

 

[85 Baby]

If Lomax wins then doesn’t it set a precedent for every non-compete clause in the country?

Yes and no. Courts can always be directed to individual circumstances, but it’d certainly be a guide

 

[Delboy]

So, Lomax just purchased what was I believe a second property for $4million, no bank or lender would approve a mortgage if he didn’t provide proof of income. Now he could have paid cash, but unlikely, so who was paying him - sponsors, scum who knows.

 

[hineyrulz]

So, Lomax just purchased what was I believe a second property for $4million, no bank or lender would approve a mortgage if he didn’t provide proof of income. Now he could have paid cash, but unlikely, so who was paying him - sponsors, scum who knows.

His good buddy Trent Merrin??

 

[Johnny88]

NRL Around The Grounds​

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/supercoach-news/nrl-predicted-round-1-teams-2026-latrell-mitchell-switch-dylan-brown-hint-dolphins-dilemma/news-story/e3f14078af28f0758cdf5af2a03eab5e?amp

Josh Hannay’s bid to turn around the Titans has copped a blow after reliable prop Jaimin Jolliffe was ruled out for the entire 2026 NRL season.
Jolliffe suffered a serious ACL knee injury at training this week and requires surgery.

Meanwhile, Hannay is preparing to unleash the Titans’ version of Brian To’o.
Penrith recruit Siale Faeamani is on track to make his NRL debut this year as part of Hannay’s overhaul of the Titans.
Hannay plucked Faeamani from Penrith’s development system, where he was plying his trade in reserve grade behind one of the NRL’s best wingers.
Faeamani, 21, has drawn comparisons with To’o since arriving on the Gold Coast and is in line to make his NRL debut in round 1 of the 2026 Premiership.

Rookie Titans winger Siale Feamani is pushing for a starting spot in round one. Picture: Supplied.
The release of Brian Kelly to Parramatta will see Hannay shake up his backline.

DRAGONS STAR RACING THE CLOCK FOR VEGAS
—David Riccio
The Dragons have suffered a cruel injury blow ahead of the 2026 season with gun hooker Jacob Liddle suffering a serious hamstring injury.
The crafty No.9 is racing the clock to be fit for the Dragons huge Las Vegas showdown in round one with the Bulldogs on February 28.
Liddle has suffered a grade three hamstring tear while chasing a kick during the Dragons training session on Thursday.

BIGGEST CLUE YET ON BROWN’S 2026 POSITION
Newcastle’s halves are taking shape with star recruit Dylan Brown expected to play five-eighth – based on pre-season training.
“Dyl’s been playing mostly at six, but I guess it’s up in the air still where those guys will be playing,” said forward Tyson Frizell.

MORE NOTABLE TEAM NEWS​

* Warriors star Mitch Barnett is aiming for round two, while Luke Metcalf is on track for round seven.
* Broncos premiership winner Brendan Piakura will miss the World Club Challenge and at least the first round following knee surgery.
* Tino Fa’asuamaleaui had a knee clean out in January but will be fit for round one. Also at the Titans, Klese Haas will shift permanently from the edge to the middle.
* St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan says he is set to unleash two rookie wingers in David Fale and Setu Tu.
* Jeremy Marshall-King is facing three months on the sidelines after undergoing knee surgery, with Kurt Donoghoe to start at hooker.
* Herbie Farnworth and recruit Selwyn Cobbo are set to line-up together on the Dolphins’ left side as winger Jack Bostock continues his return from knee surgery.
* Former Titan Brian Kelly is expected to slot straight into a centre spot at new club Parramatta.
* After securing an immediate release from the Broncos, Coby Black will contend with fellow young gun Ethan Sanders for the vacant halfback spot at the Raiders.
* Sua Fa’alogo will get first crack at the Storm fullback spot vacated by Ryan Papenhuyzen.
* Cowboys forward Jeremiah Nanai (shoulder) will miss the first 4-6 weeks, while Griffin Neame (shoulder) is only an outside chance for the trip to Vegas.
* David Fifita slots straight into South Sydney’s starting side following his move from the Titans.
* Recruit Jonah Pezet slots straight into the Parramatta No. 6 jersey.

Zac Lomax won’t be at the Eels next year. Picture: NRL Photos

EELS​

1. Isaiah Iongi 2. Bailey Simonsson 3. Will Penisini 4. Brian Kelly 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Jonah Pezet 7. Mitchell Moses 8. J’maine Hopgood 9. Ryley Smith 10. Junior Paulo 11. Kitione Kautoga 12. Kelma Tuilagi 13. Jack de Belin. Interchange: 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Dylan Walker 16. Sam Tuivaiti 17. Jack Williams
New-look backline with Bailey Simonsson frontrunner to replace Zac Lomax (released) on the wing, while recruit Brian Kelly is also set to win a spot. Sean Russell and Joash Papalii are snapping at their heels.
Young gun Jonah Pezet has arrived from the Storm and is set to start in the halves alongside Mitchell Moses. Jack de Belin is the big recruit and he’s likely to slot straight into the lock role.

Mitchell Moses will have a new halves partner in 2026. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

 

[Johnny88]

Titans scramble to re-sign Cooper Bai after temporarily backflipping on Melbourne Storm deal​

The Titans are frantically preparing a last-ditch bid to keep rising star Cooper Bai at the club, with the teenage sensation temporarily backflipping on plans to join a rival club.

Titans bosses are waging a desperate battle to retain Cooper Bai with the teenage sensation temporarily backflipping on plans to join the Melbourne Storm.
Code Sports can reveal Titans coach Josh Hannay and football boss Scott Sattler have held urgent New Year talks to keep Bai at the club amid fears the boom forward is poised to defect to Melbourne.
Sources close to negotiations say Bai had “one foot out the door at the Titans”.

While Melbourne were privately confident they had their man after positive talks, Bai has yet to turn his verbal assurances into the certainty of formally signing a Storm contract.
That has opened the door for a last-ditch retention raid from the Titans, whose discussions with Bai over the past fortnight have convinced the 19-year-old free agent to baulk at signing with Melbourne and consider staying loyal to the Gold Coast.
The Roosters were also keen but have dropped out of the race, believing Bai was headed to Melbourne.

Gold Coast Titans young gun Cooper Bai. Picture: NRL Images

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/titans-scramble-to-resign-cooper-bai-after-temporarily-backflipping-on-melbourne-storm-deal/news-story/e5d110387dda156d01becee105809aa5?amp

 

[Arbitaar1]

If Lomax wins then doesn’t it set a precedent for every non-compete clause in the country?

I feel like if lomax wins it will open up Pandora’s box. What’s then stopping Cleary from saying I want to go play R360 and then defecting to the Roosters. I doubt the contract would have said anything about him going to play R360 just that he is being released to go look at other opportunities outside the NRL and he can’t play NRL for another club unless Parra agrees.

It’s not Parras fault R360 fell through and Parra would have been of the belief he wasn’t coming back. Zac took a big gamble and it didn’t work out Now he has to just deal with it

 

[Poupou Escobar]

I assume we paid him a not insubstantial amount on release.

If this is the case then he probably doesn't have a leg to stand on.