The Penrith Panthers have emerged as a potential major player in the Zac Lomax sweepstakes, and a family connection might hold the key to unlocking a player swap with the Eels. Despite a deal with the Melbourne Storm falling over, Parramatta have stated they’re willing to negotiate with any NRL club who are keen to sign Lomax.
The Eels are open to allowing Lomax to join a rival club immediately, so long as they get fair compensation. A player would likely have to go the other way to Parramatta, who are also seemingly trying to offload Ryan Matterson.
Speaking on SEN radio on Thursday, former Eels player Justin Horo floated Izack Tago as a player who might be willing to join Parramatta if the Panthers are keen on Lomax. Horo pointed out that Tago’s brother Jake is already on the books at the Eels, so it might be an opportunity for them to play together.
I’ve heard Izack Tago (potentially) to Parramatta to play with his brother,” Horo said. “Freeing up a spot at Penrith for Lomax.”
Writing for Fox Sports this week, reporter Ethan Lee Chalk also named Tago as a player who might go the other way if the Panthers want Lomax. He wrote: “Lomax would be the No.1 target on kicks from Nathan Cleary – an area the duo excelled in during games for the NSW Blues.
“For the Eels … Izack Tago would walk straight into the starting team and be on the opposite side of Will Penisini. Despite struggling with form over the past 12 months, Tago is still at the beginning of his career and is destined to be one of the best centres in the NRL if he is able to improve his defence and can rekindle his attacking game, which made him nearly unbeatable in one-on-one situations.”
Parramatta’s back-line exposed in big loss to Storm
The Eels’ back-line was brutally exposed in a 52-4 loss to Melbourne on Thursday night. The likes of Penisini, Brian Kelly, Bailey Simonsson and Sean Russell were targeted all night as the Storm ran in nine tries.
Whether or not it accelerates Parramatta’s pursuit of an outside back to replace Lomax remains to be seen. Separately, it emerged on Thursday afternoon that Tago could be in doubt for the Panthers’ clash with the Broncos on Friday night. If Tago is ruled out, Thomas Jenkins would come in on the wing with Paul Alamoti shifting to centre.
