The latest bombshell involving Zac Lomax could yet become a blessing in disguise for the Parramatta Eels, possibly paving the way for one of the more audacious halves acquisitions seen in years. The twist? It revolves around a potential $650,000 salary-cap windfall that could free the Eels to chase a high-caliber playmaker.
The Context: Lomax’s Unexpected Move
Lomax is currently contracted through 2028, so his reported intentions to shift toward the rebel competition R360—despite that binding deal—have raised eyebrows. But if he does depart, the Eels would suddenly find themselves with a large chunk of salary room to allocate elsewhere.
From a pure roster management standpoint, releasing or losing Lomax would be easier to absorb than allowing gaps to emerge in the club’s pivotal spine. Wingers can often be replaced through existing depth or external recruitment; but elite halves—especially young, high-upside ones—are far harder to secure.
The $650K Opportunity
The heart of this twist lies in what Lomax’s potential exit would open up: around $650,000 per season in freed salary cap space. That sum would give the Eels serious room to maneuver in targeting a genuine halves upgrade—something many believe is overdue. With star playmaker Mitchell Moses sometimes vulnerable to injury or form fluctuations, the Eels have lacked reliable backup or insurance in that spine position.
To quote Fox Sports’ Paul Crawley: “Can you imagine Pezet teaming up with Mitchell Moses in the halves next season if that was to come to fruition?” That speaks directly to the ambition driving this speculative move.
Who Could Be the Target?
The name being floated in many corridors is Jonah Pezet, the young playmaker at Storm who’s generated buzz for his poise, vision, and composure despite his youth. Pezet reportedly has a clause that allows him to exit his contract, opening the door for rival clubs to make a serious pitch.
Raiders are also said to be keeping tabs on Pezet’s situation, but the Eels—if the cap space becomes available—are arguably better positioned to make the splash hire. His recent finals performance—only his second game as a starter—stirred optimism that he’s ready for a full-time top-tier role.
The Downside Risks & Counterpoints
Of course, this is far from a guaranteed script. Several risks and uncertainties remain:
- Contractual complications
Lomax is under contract until 2028, so releasing or relocating him prematurely would require negotiation, compensation, or creative bookkeeping. - Competitive bidding
If Pezet truly is a breakout weapon, other clubs (like the Raiders) will be vying for him, which could drive up his value or complicate offers. - Timing and integration
Even if the Eels land Pezet, integrating him alongside Moses and building chemistry won’t be instantaneous. The timing of all these moves will have to align. - Fan reaction
Lomax had his share of big moments this year, especially since switching from the Dragons. Letting him go will require justification to supporters.
Still, many within NRL circles sense that this is a calculated gamble with potentially huge upside. The Eels’ spine has been less dominant than fans would expect, especially when Moses has missed games.
What It All Signals
The narrative emerging now is one of boldness. Rather than passively hoping for better halves depth, Parramatta may be preparing to go all in—cashing in on a disruptive contract situation to flex their financial muscle. If executed well, this strategy could reshape the club’s trajectory and inject longevity into their spine.
The Eels’ recruitment strategy, already under scrutiny, could be viewed retrospectively as one that will either be praised for ingenuity or criticized as overreach—depending on how much they manage to land. If they link Moses with Pezet in a structured halves pairing, that could become one of the most talked-about acquisitions in recent memory.
In short: what looks like a bombshell from Lomax may ultimately be the opening salvo in a halfbacks coup not just for the Eels, but for the NRL landscape as a whole.
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