Eels chief executive Jim Sarantinos has put to bed fears marquee recruit Zac Lomax won’t land at the Parramatta club next season despite “rumblings” he was considering a backflip.
Speculation has emerged following Brad Arthur’s axing that the 24-year-old, who was recruited by the sacked head coach, was having second thoughts about his move in 2025.
Lomax signed a four-year deal in April after being granted a release at the end of the 2024 season by the Dragons and has since made his NSW debut this year.
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According to The Daily Telegraph’s Michael Carayannis, Lomax won’t make any moves regarding his contract decision until after the 2024 Origin series.
However, Parramatta bosses are certain their star flyer will play in the famous blue and gold strip next year.
“I spoke with Jim Sarantinos, the chief executive of Parramatta today. He said he has no doubts Zac Lomax will be at Parramatta next year,” Carayannis said on NRL360 on Wednesday night.
“He will be there… they’ve got no consideration of Zac letting go of that contract or releasing him. That conversation hasn’t happened yet.
“If it will happen I’m not sure. What they need to do is appoint a coach and that coach needs to have a heart to heart with Zac Lomax.”
Parramatta caretaker coach Trent Barrett called for Eels bosses to make a decision regarding the club’s next head coach on Wednesday.
The Parramatta board had a meeting on Tuesday night and a decision was set to be made on whether Barrett, Jason Ryles, Josh Hannay or Dean Young would take over in 2025.
An announcement is reportedly set to come after the club’s Thursday night Round 18 clash, but rugby league legend Braith Anasta believes the news needs to come sooner.
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“Why don’t they make this decision quicker? They could lose, or potentially risk Zac coming to the club,” Anasta said.
“Zac’s obviously a little bit agitated by the fact that there isn’t a coach there and he doesn’t know who it’s going to be, and he was going there because of Brad (Arthur).”
The Dragons reportedly understand Lomax is becoming agitated by the situation unfolding at the Eels according to The Australian.
However, Red V powerbrokers have their eyes firmly fixed on Parramatta’s rising star Blaize Talagi and are reportedly competing with the Knights and Eels for his services.
“The Dragons are aware there’s potential unrest there, but they aren’t sitting there and stroking the fire,” Carayannis said.
“It’s my understanding if Zac wants to pursue this release he will have to go to the Eels with his management, the Dragons aren’t going to go and push it.”