Lomax saga continues as 2026 begins
Will Lomax return to the NRL and how will the Eels handle his contract?
ZAC LOMAX SAGA CONTINUES
The Zac Lomax situation has dominated headlines throughout December and January. After being granted a conditional release in November to pursue opportunities outside the NRL, the planned move to R360 fell through when that competition was delayed until at least 2027.
In early January, Lomax engaged high-profile lawyer Ramy Qutami to secure an unconditional release from his contract, seeking to join the Melbourne Storm for 2026. The Eels have maintained their position that they granted Lomax a release on condition he could not join a rival NRL club unless given the green light.
Reports suggest a potential player swap involving Storm’s Jack Howarth could be the only way to resolve the standoff, though the Eels have consistently refused to facilitate Lomax joining a rival club.
Brian Kelly Joins the Blue & Gold
The Eels strengthened their backline in early January with the signing of experienced outside back Brian Kelly on a two-year deal through to the end of 2027. The versatile 190-game veteran brings valuable depth and attacking prowess to replace the departed Zac Lomax.
General Manager of Football Mark O’Neill welcomed the addition, noting that Kelly adds greater attacking dimension to the game and brings nearly 200 NRL games of experience. Kelly has represented Country NSW, the Prime Minister’s XIII, and the Indigenous All Stars throughout his career with Manly and the Gold Coast Titans.
ISAIAH IONGI: LOCKED IN LONG-TERM
In one of the most significant announcements of December, fullback Isaiah Iongi signed a contract extension keeping him at the club until the end of 2030. The 22-year-old’s new deal makes him the longest-contracted player on the roster.
After an outstanding rookie season where he won both the Rookie of the Year and the fan-voted Blue & Gold Player of the Year awards, Iongi has established himself as a cornerstone of the club’s future. He finished the year with eight tries, 12 try assists, and averaged more than four tackle busts per game, also earning selection for Tonga in the Pacific Championships.
“This past year has been surreal, I came to Parramatta for an opportunity and now it’s become home,” Iongi said of his extension.
SEAN RUSSELL DEPARTS FOR PERTH BEARS
In December, winger Sean Russell signed a four-year deal to join the Perth Bears from 2027, becoming the expansion club’s seventh confirmed signing. The 23-year-old Parramatta junior has played 61 NRL matches and scored 24 tries for the Eels since his 2021 debut.
Bears coach Mal Meninga praised Russell as an outstanding talent and proven try-scorer. Russell will remain with the Eels for the 2026 season before heading west to be part of the Bears’ inaugural NRL campaign.
VALE: CLUB LEGENDS PASS
The Eels community mourned the loss of two former players during this period:
Laurie “Darby” Wakefield (Eel #279) passed away on December 22 at age 77. Wakefield was a talented fullback who played 14 appearances for the Eels from 1970-72, also representing NSW and Country. Despite his small stature, he was known for playing well above his weight and being particularly safe under the high ball.
Mal McMartin (Eel #320) passed away in January at age 81. McMartin made 33 appearances for Parramatta across First Grade, Pre-Season Cup and Mid-Week Cup during 1974-75, playing primarily on the wing, in the centres and at lock.
PRE-SEASON TRAINING UPDATE
Training reports from The Cumberland Throw blog revealed impressive progress under coach Jason Ryles:
A whole-of-club training session in mid-December saw over 150 players from all grades train together across four fields, with younger players gaining invaluable experience working alongside NRL stars
Dummy halves Ryley Smith and Tallyn Da Silva have been standout performers, earning Tour De Parra shirts for their consistent efforts
New recruit Jonah Pezet has impressed in the left-side combinations
Brian Kelly integrated quickly into training after arriving in early January
1 Eyed Discussion
ScottX returns to the site and questions whether the Eels are finally enjoying some good luck.
Eels fans have spoken, only an elite player from Melbourne is good enough if they wish to recruit Lomax.
Stay tuned for our February newsletter and then we will switch to a weekly edition during the season.
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