Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos has broken his silence regarding Zac Lomax’s abrupt exit from the club, expressing his surprise at the outside back’s decision to leave. In an in-depth interview with Code Sports, Sarantinos disclosed that Lomax’s choice caught both him and the club off guard.
The revelation comes as the Eels prepare for the upcoming season, following a strong finish in the latter half of 2025. Sarantinos explained the rationale behind granting Lomax an early release, despite the player’s four-year contract.
“I was surprised that one year into a four-year contract a player would be looking at other options,” Sarantinos said. “Zac was upfront with the key leaders at the club about being approached and other options would be something he would consider if that transpired. He approached us to consider an early release.”
Sarantinos emphasized that the decision was made in the best interest of the team, avoiding potential disruptions mid-season. “There was no debate, there was no dispute, there was no challenge to it at all. He agreed,” he added.
Parramatta’s Performance and Leadership Decisions
Despite the Lomax situation, Parramatta Eels are entering the new season with high expectations, buoyed by their impressive performance in the latter part of 2025. This resurgence followed a challenging start under new head coach Jason Ryles, who made several bold roster decisions, including the controversial release of team captain Clint Gutherson.
Ryles’ decision to let Gutherson explore other opportunities was met with skepticism, yet it demonstrated his commitment to reshaping the team according to his vision. Sarantinos praised Ryles’ decisiveness and strategic foresight.
“I think he showed the courage and conviction to make some difficult decisions last year, even though he took some heat in the short-term,” Sarantinos said. “Jason wanted to see how the season played out before committing to Gutherson long-term … It was too early for (Jason) to make a long-term decision on Gutho. Gutho did the right thing to explore his options.”
Impact of Player Departures on the Eels
The departure of key players like Dylan Brown, who accepted a lucrative $13 million offer from the Knights, further highlighted the challenges faced by the Eels’ management. Sarantinos addressed the financial realities and strategic considerations involved in such decisions.
“I don’t begrudge him, and I don’t think anyone begrudges him taking the offer,” the Eels CEO remarked. “But you can either panic and react and make a decision that might not necessarily be in the best interests of the club. Frankly, if we would have responded (to the noise), that’s probably what we would have felt we were doing.”
Looking Ahead: Eels’ Strategic Vision
As the Eels move forward, the focus remains on maintaining team cohesion and competitiveness. The club’s management is committed to supporting Ryles’ leadership and decision-making as they navigate the complexities of player contracts and team dynamics.
This approach reflects a broader trend in professional sports, where clubs must balance immediate performance with long-term strategic goals. The Eels’ ability to adapt and thrive amidst these challenges will be critical as they aim to build on their recent successes and pursue championship aspirations.
The coming season will test the resilience and adaptability of the team, as well as the effectiveness of the leadership decisions made in the wake of high-profile departures. The Eels’ journey will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, eager to see how the club’s strategic vision unfolds on the field.
