In a surprising turn of events, Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos has opened up about Zac Lomax’s unexpected departure from the club, revealing his astonishment over the outside back’s bold decision to leave. During an extensive conversation with Code Sports, Sarantinos conveyed that Lomax's choice took both him and the organization by surprise.
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In his interview, Sarantinos explained why he swiftly granted Lomax an early release from his contract. "I found it unexpected that a player would seek alternative options just one year into a four-year deal," he remarked. "Zac was transparent with the club's leadership regarding being approached by other teams and expressed that he would be open to considering a release if the situation arose."
The decision to let Lomax go was ultimately made in what they believed was best for the team dynamics. "We concluded that it was in the football team’s best interest to avoid having a high-paid player depart mid-season, as that could create complications," Sarantinos continued. "There was no disagreement or contention surrounding the matter; he agreed to the terms without issue."
Despite the upheaval surrounding Lomax, Parramatta demonstrated resilience, finishing the latter part of 2025 strongly. The club enters this new season brimming with confidence, especially following an impressive late-season surge under head coach Jason Ryles, who faced challenges at the beginning of his tenure.
Ryles made several tough calls to reshape the squad, including the controversial decision to part ways with captain Clint Gutherson. This particular move raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike, yet Ryles remained steadfast, earning Sarantinos’s respect. "He displayed courage and determination in making some challenging decisions last season, even though he faced criticism initially," Sarantinos acknowledged. "Jason wanted to assess how the season unfolded before locking in a long-term commitment to Gutherson. It was premature to make such a definitive choice regarding his future. Gutherson rightly sought to explore his options."
Since Ryles's arrival more than a year ago, another prominent player, Dylan Brown, has also exited the team, signing a lucrative $13 million contract with the Knights—a sum that Parramatta was not prepared to match. Sarantinos shared his stance on Brown's departure: "I hold no resentment towards him, nor do I believe anyone else does for accepting that offer. However, we could have easily panicked and made a hasty decision that might not have been in the club's best interests. In truth, any reaction to external pressures would likely have felt like a mistake on our part."
What are your thoughts on these significant player movements? Should clubs prioritize long-term loyalty over immediate financial gains? Join the discussion in the comments!
