Lomax to meet with rival club TODAY as details of Dragons' swap ...

Disgruntled Dragons star Zac Lomax will meet with the Parramatta Eels after being granted an early release from his $800,000 a season contract.

The Dragons on Tuesday released a statement confirming the club had reached an agreement with Lomax and his management which will see the contract years for 2025 and 2026 terminated with no financial contribution from the club for those years.

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“By finalising this decision now, it provides both Zac and the club with clarity regarding the future, allowing us time to strategise for the upcoming seasons,” Dragons CEO Ryan Webb said in a statement.

“This arrangement enables the Dragons to focus on refining our Top 30 roster and utilising additional cap space, while Zac can pursue his future endeavours with another club.”

After months of speculation about his future, the 24-year-old is now free to negotiate with rival clubs . As it stands he will see out 2024 with the Dragons unless a suitable player swap deal can be agreed upon.

The SMH are reporting Lomax will have a meeting with Brad Arthur and Parramatta bosses who are set to offer him a contract until the end of 2027.

Lomax, one of the Dragons’ highest paid players, has been unsettled for some time and was reportedly unhappy with being shifted from the centres to the wing this season — although he has shown strong form in the opening rounds.

The Eels reportedly have the salary cap space to pay him a centre’s wage now and are keen to acquire his services.

However, the Dragons will only allow him to walk immediately if they receive a player in return and are said to be wanting a hooker or a replacement fullback.

Shane Flanagan reportedly already has replacements in mind, with both Wallabies star Jordan Petaia and Panthers winger Sunia Turuva transfer targets.

Turuva was offered a deal worth around $350,000 per-season to stay at the Panthers, and the Red V are reportedly willing to beat that offer to recruit him.

Lomax has made 97 appearances for the Dragons since his NRL debut in 2018, scoring 677 points for the club.

“Zac has consistently demonstrated his talent and dedication to the club, especially in the face of external noise,” Dragons coach Shane Flanagan said.

“We have full confidence that he will maintain his high level of performance for the remainder of the season, benefiting all those associated with the Dragons.”

The Dragons will next face the Knights in Newcastle on Friday, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm AEDT.