Parramatta Eels Consider Mitch Barnett as Zac Lomax Trade Saga Unfolds
Coach Jason Ryles has confirmed that the Parramatta Eels would be interested in signing Mitch Barnett, as the club prepares for potential trade negotiations in the ongoing Zac Lomax saga. This development comes after the Eels effectively secured Lomax's player rights for the next two NRL seasons following an out-of-court settlement with the Melbourne Storm on Tuesday.
Lomax's Contractual Limbo and Compensation Demands
In November, Parramatta agreed to release Lomax from his contract to join the overseas rugby competition R360, but with a stipulation that he would need their consent to play for any NRL rival before 2029. However, when R360 was postponed, Lomax found himself in limbo, a situation that could now extend for two more years after the Storm's bold attempt to sign him was thwarted.
The Eels remain open to allowing Lomax to play for another NRL team, but only if their football department receives adequate compensation, such as a like-for-like player or salary cap space. Despite weeks of negotiations, Melbourne and Parramatta failed to reach an agreement. Complicating matters is the start of the 2026 season and Lomax's status as one of the NRL's elite wingers, making suitable compensation challenging to secure.
Mitch Barnett Emerges as a Potential Candidate
Amid this stalemate, gun prop Mitch Barnett has emerged as a possible candidate for 2027, as he seeks to leave the Warriors early and return to Australia for family reasons. The Warriors are willing to release their co-captain Barnett from the final year of his contract next season, but only if they are appropriately compensated. Any such move would also require Lomax's approval, with the Rugby League Players Association likely intervening to prevent players from being forced onto clubs unwillingly.
On the Eels' side, Ryles and general manager of football Mark O'Neill will have significant influence over any trade attempts involving Lomax. Ryles noted, "I'll have an input in it, but it's pretty fresh at the moment. We'll just wait and see what happens." He only learned of the resolution to the Lomax saga as he came off the training paddock on Tuesday morning, coincidentally ahead of the Eels facing the Storm in Round 1.
Ryles' Interest in Barnett and Team Strategy
Ryles expressed clear interest in Barnett, whom Parramatta management views as a player of similar calibre to Lomax. "He's certainly someone that we'd potentially look at," Ryles said. "He's an Origin forward, I think that's an area of our roster that we can certainly improve or strengthen, is probably a better word. Us, like many clubs, will obviously be looking in that space."
The Lomax saga has overshadowed the Eels' pre-season since the club granted him a release on November 16. Ryles commented, "It's good that there's a resolution and we can all move on," reflecting on his time as a former assistant coach at the Storm.
Corey Parker's Criticism of the Eels' Handling
Meanwhile, NRL great Corey Parker has launched a blistering attack on the Eels for their handling of the situation. Parker, host of Channel 7's new NRL show The Agenda Setters, argued that while Lomax made a poor decision, "people in our game are making poor decisions week in and week out." He pointed to examples like Ezra Mam, who drove under the influence and caused an accident with injuries but remains on a four-year deal with the Brisbane Broncos.
Parker emphasized, "Zac Lomax has not committed any crime" and is only guilty of "a poor decision." He questioned the Eels' stance, saying, "Yet now they (Parramatta) want to hold him out of the game for a couple of years? Because of what? A contract." He contrasted this with the club's handling of Ryan Matterson, where they allowed a departure when it suited them.
Parker further criticized, "There are things going on in the world that have huge ramifications, and the Parramatta Eels — who haven't won a comp in over 40 years or thereabouts — are doing this? He's a winger, he's not a halfback, he's just a winger — and I say that respectfully — he's an unbelievable player. Storm could've offered a million bucks and the Eels still would have said no."
He called for clarity, asking, "So, he can still play and find his way in the NRL if the terms and conditions help Parramatta. Just get your money, move on, and let the kid play some rugby league. That's how I see it. They don't want him. So if they don't want him, what do they want? Have they come out and actually said what they actually want? Like what's the figure? What's a figure that will buy it? What's a figure on a player?"
As the NRL season progresses, the Eels' pursuit of Barnett and the resolution of the Lomax trade remain key storylines, with fans and analysts watching closely to see how the club navigates these complex negotiations.
