Overview
- Justice François Kunc set a two-day hearing for next Thursday but was told the case may continue into the week of March 2, overlapping the NRL’s opening round.
- The judge signalled a preference not to split hearings and asked Lomax’s side to justify any urgent need to finish earlier, with further directions due Monday.
- Parramatta is seeking a court declaration that the release terms are valid, while Lomax plans to argue unlawful restraint of trade and bad-faith negotiation.
- Parramatta’s counsel said Lomax’s lawyer flagged the Storm, Perth Bears and Raiders on December 24; the Raiders’ chief executive publicly denied any contact or interest.
- Melbourne has indemnified Lomax and could face his legal costs if Parramatta wins, and the case may be expanded to add the Storm as a party, which would likely delay a resolution beyond round one.