Zac Lomax’s proposal to have a clause tying his future to that of struggling coach Brad Arthur was reportedly turned down by Eels powerbrokers. Aiming to play under Arthur, with whom he had supper before signing a contract, Lomax committed to the Parramatta club for four years prior to the 2025 campaign. Bosses at Parramatta declined to insert the condition, putting more and more pressure on Arthur following a run of subpar performances.
He has a deal in place that expires at the end of 2025, but if the Eels don’t play playoff football again, it’s said that club powerbrokers would review his term. After losing to the Panthers in the 2022 grand final and being outmatched by their cross-town rivals, Arthur’s team finished outside the top eight in 2023. Powerbrokers at the Eels are said to have stated unequivocally that they will not guarantee Arthur’s job as head coach after 2025.
Parramatta players have previously attempted to tie their own contracts to that of their coach, but have also reportedly been denied.
Lomax’s new contract is reportedly worth around $2.6 million, equating to $650,000 per-season.
It’s a significant pay cut from the $850,000 he was set to earn next year at the Dragons.
