The Parramatta Eels’ plans for life after Zac Lomax have hit an unexpected complication, with one of their most promising local products emerging as a prime target for the NRL’s newest franchise. While Parramatta had hoped the transition following Lomax’s sudden exit would be seamless, growing interest from the Perth Bears has added a new layer of uncertainty to the club’s long-term roster strategy.
At the centre of the discussion is Sean Russell, a talented junior developed through the Eels’ system who is widely seen as the natural replacement on the right wing. Russell’s rise over the past season has been steady rather than spectacular, but circumstances have thrust him into a far more significant role than originally anticipated. With Lomax no longer part of the Parramatta picture, Russell has gone from promising depth option to a crucial piece of the club’s backline puzzle.
However, Parramatta’s confidence that Russell would simply slot into the vacancy has been shaken. The winger is currently off contract at the end of next season, and his timing could not be more intriguing. The Perth Bears, preparing for their historic entry into the NRL in 2027, are already laying the groundwork for their inaugural campaign, and Russell has firmly landed on their radar.
The Bears’ recruitment drive is being conducted with patience and purpose. Rather than waiting until their entry draws closer, the expansion club is methodically identifying players who can provide experience, professionalism, and stability in their early years. Russell fits that profile perfectly — a young but battle-tested NRL player with versatility, goal-kicking ability, and the benefit of having come through a strong development system.
For Parramatta, this presents a dilemma. The Eels are eager to keep Russell, particularly now that Lomax’s departure has reshaped their backline depth chart. What once appeared to be a manageable retention decision has quickly become more urgent. Losing Russell would not only weaken their immediate plans but also raise questions about the club’s ability to secure and retain homegrown talent in an increasingly competitive market.
From Russell’s perspective, the situation is equally complex. Staying with Parramatta offers continuity, familiarity, and the chance to cement himself as a regular starter in a side undergoing transition. On the other hand, the financial appeal and opportunity presented by the Bears could be difficult to ignore. Expansion clubs traditionally have greater salary cap flexibility, and Perth is expected to be no different as they attempt to lure established NRL players west.
"There is interest there so Sean has some decisions to make," Russell's manager Gavin Orr told Wide World of Sports.
Those few words neatly sum up the crossroads facing the young outside back. While no deal is imminent, the mere existence of interest from Perth has changed the negotiating dynamic. Parramatta are no longer negotiating from a position of comfort; instead, they are being forced to weigh how much Russell truly means to their long-term vision.
Russell’s on-field contributions in the past season highlight why both clubs are keen. He featured in 20 matches for the Eels, spending most of his time in the centres despite being earmarked as a winger. In that span, he crossed for five tries and added 15 goals, showcasing not only finishing ability but also composure under pressure with the boot. His adaptability has been particularly valued by Parramatta’s coaching staff, allowing him to fill multiple roles when injuries and form fluctuations struck the squad.
The Perth Bears’ interest is part of a broader recruitment strategy that is already beginning to take shape. Slowly but deliberately, the club is assembling the foundations of its 30-man squad, ensuring that when they finally take the field, they will not resemble a hastily assembled expansion outfit. To date, the Bears have secured six signings, each chosen for specific reasons tied to leadership, experience, or positional need.
Former Canterbury halfback Toby Sexton has been locked in as the chief playmaker, entrusted with steering the team around the park and setting standards in the spine. His organisational skills and NRL experience are seen as critical to guiding a brand-new squad through its formative stages. Alongside Sexton, the Bears have added Leeds Rhinos centre Harry Newman, whose time in the Super League brings a different dimension and a wealth of professional experience.
The forward pack is also taking shape, with a blend of toughness and premiership pedigree. Ex-Bulldogs forward Luke Smith and former Cowboys forward Emarly Bitungane add depth and reliability, while Panthers premiership winner Liam Henry brings a winning mindset that the Bears are keen to embed from day one. Former Titans prop Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui rounds out the initial group, providing size and power through the middle.
Against this backdrop, Russell represents the type of signing that could quietly become a cornerstone for the Bears. He may not carry the star power of a marquee name, but his youth, versatility, and NRL grounding make him an ideal building block. For Perth, securing players like Russell early could prove invaluable as they attempt to establish credibility and competitiveness in the league.
For Parramatta, the challenge is clear. The club must decide how aggressively to pursue Russell’s retention while managing broader salary cap pressures and future recruitment plans. Lomax’s departure has already forced a rethink, and losing Russell as well would amplify the disruption. Retaining him would signal a commitment to nurturing and rewarding local talent, while failure to do so could leave the Eels scrambling for alternatives in an already tight market.
As negotiations loom on the horizon, all eyes will be on how Parramatta respond and whether Perth’s growing influence can tempt another player away from an established NRL club. One thing is certain: what once seemed like a straightforward succession plan has evolved into a high-stakes decision that could shape both clubs’ futures.
