The NRL is currently embroiled in the ongoing Zac Lomax litigation, with Parramatta lawyers issuing subpoenas to headquarters regarding their involvement in the matter.
Specifically, the Eels are seeking to obtain documents detailing their deal with the Storm as Melbourne plot to sign their star winger.
Watch all three Las Vegas Rugby League games live and watch no ads during games on Fox League on Kayo | Is this your first time in Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
What can you really lose when gambling? Set a deposit limit. For free and confidential support, call 1800 858 858 or visit gaminghelponline.org.au.
According to code sportsthe summons was issued in the Supreme Court on Wednesday, and the NRL has until Friday to submit documents to the court.
Parties typically have two weeks to comply.
These may include text messages and emails related to the Lomax Contract Story.
come later Court documents revealed earlier this month Mr Parramatta detailed how he accused Melbourne of asking the NRL to “hold the torch” to end the contract impasse with Lomax.
Legal arguments will be heard on Monday about whether the documents will be admissible at next week’s court hearing, where Storm chairman Matt Tripp will testify in person rather than by video link.
The case has been adjourned until March 13 as Mr Tripp is in Las Vegas and will not return to Australia until March 11, but the Eels claim meeting Mr Tripp virtually would be less advantageous than meeting him in person.
Given March 13 is the date of the Storm’s second round game against the Dragons, the third round would be the earliest Lomax would be selected if he ultimately signs with Melbourne, but that would still be a stretch.
Lomax’s court date postponed until March | 00:50
According to Eels’ lawyer Arthur Moses QC, Tripp is the Storm’s “main player” to pursue Lomax.
“Obviously he (Trip) was the first person to contact Parramatta about Lomax heading to the Storm,” Moses said. code sports.
“He is the person who consoled Mr. Lomax by not only reaching an agreement with the Melbourne Storm for him to play for the Storm in accordance with the terms of his contract, but also by indemnifying him for a bond that is now said to be invalid.
“He and his lawyers not only helped draft it, but also agreed to its terms. He is the strategist behind this matter, not a witness.”
The Storm are keen to get this matter resolved in court soon and move one step closer to signing Lomax.
Craig Bellamy is dealing with an outside-back crisis days ahead of the first-round game against the Eels, with Xavier Coates out for two months.
The Storm also released Ryan Papenhuizen and center/winger Grant Anderson in the off-season, meaning either uncapped Hugo Peel or rugby union convert Moses Leao (two games in the National League) will compete for Coates’ vacated left wing spot.