According to reports, Brad Arthur’s team will get a big coup when Dragons player Zac Lomax agrees to a big $2.6 million contract to join the Eels. The SMH reports that Lomax’s new agreement will last for more than four years, with the specifics still to be worked out. Lomax is now free to sign with rival teams for the 2025 season and beyond after receiving a release from the final two years of his St George Illawarra contract last week.
The 24-year-old is set to play in the centres at the Eels and the club are expected to announce the coup as early as next week.
Lomax was set to earn $850,000 in 2025 and $875,000 in 2026 at the Dragons, but has taken a significant pay cut to join the Parramatta side for around $650,000 per-year.
Eels powerbrokers are also reportedly angling to see him join the club before the 2025 season and haven’t given up hope he will wear the blue and gold strip sooner.
Despite his current contract situation, Lomax has been in fine form for the Dragons and has been one of their best players alongside Ben Hunt,
Parramatta bosses reportedly have held meetings with the NRL regarding the amount Lomax will take up on their salary cap.
A figure close to $850,000 is reportedly set to come off the club’s salary cap due to rules dictating players can’t join rival clubs for a contract worth less than their previous deal.
Lomax has been disgruntled at the Dragons since coach Shane Flanagan made the decision to shift him to the wing, having previously played as a centre at the Red V.
However, he had reportedly asked for a release from his contract in pre-season, before that decision was made.