Parramatta Eels coach Jason Ryles has confirmed the club remains open to acquiring Mitch Barnett from the Warriors, as the Eels grapple with the ongoing Zac Lomax situation. The Eels hold Lomax’s player rights for the next two NRL seasons after a recent out-of-court settlement with Melbourne Storm. This development has sparked significant debate within the rugby league community, with former NRL star Corey Parker leading the criticism.

Contract Dispute Leaves Lomax in Limbo

Lomax was released by the Eels in November to play in the R360 competition, but the arrangement included a clause requiring the Eels’ approval for any move to an NRL club before 2029. The postponement of R360 left Lomax in a precarious position, and now, with the 2026 season underway, he could remain in the overseas competition for two more years.

Despite the Eels’ openness to allowing Lomax to play for an NRL rival, they have insisted on adequate compensation, either in the form of a like-for-like player or salary cap space. Melbourne Storm’s attempts to sign Lomax were thwarted, and negotiations have stalled. The complexity is compounded by the fact that Lomax is one of the NRL’s top wingers, making it difficult to find equivalent compensation.

Meanwhile, Warriors prop Mitch Barnett, who is seeking to leave the club early for family reasons, has emerged as a potential trade candidate for the Eels. However, any deal would require Lomax’s approval, with the Rugby League Players Association likely to intervene to prevent players from being forced into unwanted moves.

Parker’s Blistering Criticism of the Eels

Corey Parker, host of Channel 7’s new NRL show The Agenda Setters, has taken to SEN Radio to express his frustration with the Eels’ handling of the Lomax situation. He described the club’s actions as illogical, pointing out that other players have been given second chances despite making poor decisions.

“Zac Lomax has not committed any crime, and he’s only guilty of a poor decision,” Parker said in a column for SEN. “Yet now they want to hold him out of the game for a couple of years? Because of what? A contract?”

Parker criticized the Eels for their inconsistency, noting that when a contract suits them, players are allowed to move, but when it doesn’t, they dig in their heels. He highlighted the case of Ryan Matterson, who was allowed to leave the club, in contrast to Lomax’s current predicament.

“The Parramatta Eels — who haven’t won a comp in over 40 years — are doing this?” Parker said. “He’s a winger, not a halfback, and he’s an unbelievable player. Storm could’ve offered a million bucks and the Eels still would have said no.”

Parker called for the Eels to resolve the situation quickly, stating, “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.”

Eels Remain Open to Trade, but No Timeline Set

Ryles has indicated that the Eels are interested in Barnett but emphasized that the situation is still evolving. “I’ll have an input in it, but it’s pretty fresh at the moment. We’ll just wait and see what happens,” he said.

Ryles learned of the resolution to the Lomax saga as he left the training paddock on Tuesday morning. The Eels are set to face the Storm in Round 1, adding a layer of irony to the situation. Ryles, a former assistant coach at the Storm, called the resolution a positive step.

The Eels’ management, including general manager of football Mark O’Neill, will have the final say on any potential trades involving Lomax. With the 2026 season underway, the club is under pressure to resolve the issue swiftly, both on and off the field.

The Lomax saga has dominated the Eels’ pre-season, with the club granting him a release in November. Ryles said it’s good that the situation has been resolved and that the team can now focus on the season ahead.