“There’s no shortage of interest. We’ll make a final decision shortly” — agent of Ryan Papenhuyzen and Zac Lomax updates on clients after R360 postponement 🧐
The agent representing NRL stars Ryan Papenhuyzen and Zac Lomax has broken his silence — saying there’s still plenty of interest in alternative career options for both players, even as the controversial global competition R360 hits the brakes.
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🔹 R360 postponement rattles rugby world
Only days ago, R360 — the breakaway global rugby league that had aggressively targeted top-level NRL talent — announced its inaugural season has been delayed until 2028. The competition had planned to start in October 2026, but mounting pressure from major unions and governing bodies, combined with uncertainty over funding and commercial viability, forced organizers to pull back.
As part of that collapse, many of the pre-contracts and conditional agreements made with marquee players — including Papenhuyzen and Lomax — have been terminated, leaving both men in limbo.
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🔹 What the agent said — and what it means
Speaking in the wake of the postponement, the duo’s agent was frank: although R360’s delay is a blow, it doesn’t necessarily close all doors. “There’s no shortage of interest,” he said. “We’ll make a final decision shortly.”
That suggests that — while immediate transfer to R360 is off the table — both players may still explore alternative routes. Could be a return to the traditional NRL, a move overseas, or pursuing rugby union with a different club. The agent’s measured stance also seems designed to keep options open, avoiding a rushed commitment until clarity returns.
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🔹 NRL door still ajar — but plenty of hurdles remain
For Papenhuyzen, previously released from his contract with Melbourne Storm, the hiatus could provide time to assess his future — whether to seek another NRL club or step away from the game temporarily.
For Lomax, matters are more complicated. His exit from Parramatta Eels was driven by interest in R360 — but a release clause could prevent him from joining another NRL club until 2028, complicating an immediate return.
The broader context isn’t promising for R360 hopefuls either: both the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) and top international unions had threatened long bans for players who signed with the rebel league.
Now that the league has postponed its launch, some insiders say those threats may have helped dissuade players — but also that the “mirage” of big money and quick glory has left several high-profile names, like Papenhuyzen and Lomax, stranded.
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🔹 What’s next for Papenhuyzen and Lomax
With the agent’s comment keeping the door open, several paths remain plausible:
Return to the NRL — if clubs are willing to take a chance, and in Lomax’s case, navigate contractual limitations.
Explore a move overseas — perhaps to European or Japanese rugby union clubs seeking experienced backs.
Stay in limbo — bide time until clearer opportunities emerge, whether in union, league, or even a different career path.
For now, both players — and their agent — seem content to wait and weigh options carefully. As he said: there is interest, and a final decision is coming.
