Parramatta CEO Jim Sarantinos has denied that star recruit Zac Lomax has a clause that could allow him to backflip on his deal following Monday night’s spectacular sacking on long-term coach Brad Arthur.
Arthur had a strong rapport with the Dragons centre and it was a dinner at his house that convinced him to jump ship and sign up with the Eels from 2025 onwards.
Speaking to the media the morning after dispensing with Arthur’s services, Sarantinos said that he would be in contact with Lomax once he had spoken to players who were already with the club.
“We will be having a conversation with Zac today,” said the CEO.
“Our focus over the last little while has been having a conversation with the players in the building. We will be having a conversation with Zac.
“None of our players have any clause like that in their contract. That’s not the way we operate.”
Sarantinos added that his priority would be to find a new coach with a track record of winning to replace Arthur. The current interim is his former assistant, ex-Manly and Bulldogs coach Trent Barrett.
“What we will be looking for is what we think is the best coach for our club,” said Sarantinos.
“We still think we have a really strong roster. As I said, we want someone who has been involved with a winning program and been around a high performance culture.
“We have started putting together a list of candidates. There are obviously a number of people out there who have the capabilities to be a head coach.
“That is a process we will work through over the coming weeks.”