Eels Ignite Lomax Bidding War: What Every NRL Team Can Offer

Morgan Winslow

Published: March 2, 2026 8:32 PM ET

The future of Zac Lomax remains uncertain following recent legal proceedings involving the Parramatta Eels and Melbourne Storm. The Eels have expressed their willingness to allow Lomax to join another team in 2026, provided they receive appropriate compensation. Meanwhile, the Storm’s chances of signing the talented winger seem slim unless they revise their previous offers.

Eels Ignite Lomax Bidding War: What Every NRL Team Can Offer

As the situation develops, various NRL clubs are exploring potential player swaps that could benefit both Lomax and the Eels. Here’s a summary of what each team might offer to secure Lomax’s signing.

Brisbane Broncos: Deine Mariner

For the Broncos: Adding Lomax would bolster their outside backs, pairing him with stars like Kotoni Staggs.
For the Eels: Mariner, still early in his career, could develop into a significant asset for their backline.

Canterbury Bulldogs: Matt Burton

For the Bulldogs: Lomax would enhance their attacking structure, particularly in the kick zone.
For the Eels: Acquiring Burton would solidify their backline and elevate them to premiership contenders.

Northern Cowboys: Jaxon Purdue

For the Cowboys: Lomax could replace departed players and strengthen their roster.
For the Eels: Purdue’s versatility would make him a valuable addition to their squad.

Dolphins: Jake Averillo

For the Dolphins: Signing Lomax wouldn’t impact their essential players, yet would improve their backline.
For the Eels: Averillo’s skill set could provide dynamic options in key positions.

St. George Illawarra Dragons: Jaydn Su’A

For the Dragons: Bringing Lomax back may also hinge on their willingness to let go of Su’A.
For the Eels: Securing Su’A would enhance their forward options significantly.

Newcastle Knights: Jermaine McEwen

For the Knights: Lomax would be ideal as they strengthen their wing positions during their rebuild.
For the Eels: McEwen represents a promising future prospect for Parramatta.

Pennant Panthers: Izack Tago

For the Panthers: Lomax would aid in restoring a winning culture within their depleted backline.
For the Eels: Tago’s potential could strengthen their offensive capabilities.

Rabbitohs: Lachlan Hubner

For the Rabbitohs: Lomax could fill crucial gaps in their lineup as they adjust for injuries.
For the Eels: Adding Hubner would bolster their forward pack.

Sydney Roosters: Salesi Foketi

For the Roosters: Lomax would make their attack substantially more powerful.
For the Eels: Foketi’s flair and explosiveness could improve their roster depth.

Canberra Raiders: Savelio Tamale

For the Raiders: Lomax represents an upgrade to their attacking structure while retaining key players.
For the Eels: Tamale’s development aligns with their vision for a competitive future.

Manly Sea Eagles: Tolutau Koula

For the Sea Eagles: Lomax would enhance their offensive prowess as they prepare for future changes.
For the Eels: Koula is seen as one of the league’s standout young talents.

Sydney Sharks: Michael Gabrael

For the Sharks: Acquiring Lomax could mitigate the loss of key players due to injuries.
For the Eels: Gabrael represents a long-term investment for their future roster.

Titans: AJ Brimson

For the Titans: Lomax would mark a significant signing in their pursuit of competitive stability.
For the Eels: Adding Brimson could add immediate value to their starting lineup.

Warriors: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

For the Warriors: Bringing in Lomax would address deficiencies in their lineup.
For the Eels: Despite being a lesser option, Watene-Zelezniak is still a capable winger.

Wests Tigers: Starford To’a

For the Tigers: Lomax could boost their chances of breaking into the top eight.
For the Eels: To’a’s inclusion would add depth to their backend options.

As the bidding war intensifies, it is clear that each club has the potential to make a compelling case to acquire Zac Lomax. The implications of this transfer could reshape the future of the NRL.