Updated July 14, 2026 – 10:49 amfirst published July 14, 2026 – 8:32 am
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Parramatta is trying to pry Jack Howarth out of Melbourne, just months after the Storm refused to release him as part of a proposed swap for Zach Lomax.
Howarth is contracted to Melbourne until the end of next year, but the club has given him permission to explore his options for 2027. His availability has fueled interest in the new Perth and PNG franchises, although his most likely destination appears to be the Eels.
Melbourne center Jack Howarth.Getty Images
There remains tension between Melbourne and Parramatta over the Lomax case, with the clubs unable to agree on a deal that would see the former New South Wales and Australia forward move south.
The Eels were pursuing one of three Storm players – Xavier Coates, Stefano Utoikamana or Howarth – in exchange for Lomax. Melbourne were not prepared to let any of the trio go, offering only Josiah Pahula or Lazarus Vaalepu when attempts to bring Eel Ryan Matterson back from grace failed.
Clubs also entered the race for Bronson Xerri’s signature, with the Storm eventually securing the Bulldogs center from the following year. The arrival of Dolphins forward Jamaine Isaaco will also help offset the departures of Nick Meaney (Perth) and Will Warbrick (Warriors) next year in 2027, while Xavier Coates will return after his season was scrapped by an Achilles injury.
While the Storm would consider an early exit for Howarth, it remains to be seen whether they are willing to let him go to the Eels given the tensions between the clubs.
The Eels, who are in talks to sign Tigers co-captain Jarome Luai, are desperate to bolster their stock of outside backs. Parramatta coach Jason Ryles has enjoyed a good relationship with Howarth since they played together in Melbourne and he would be guaranteed a starting spot in the Eels’ back line if he transfers.
In other contract news, St George Illawarra’s Luciano Leilua has agreed to a three-year contract with the Catalans. The Tongan international will join his Dragons teammates Damien Cook and Tyrell Sloane as they head to Castleford for promotion to Super League.
And Newcastle have agreed to the immediate release of rising teenage star Kingston Seave. The former Dolphins junior wants to return to Queensland for family reasons and is likely to land a contract with the Dolphins, Titans or Broncos.
The 17-year-old has been compared to Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and, like the cross-code star, was given an exemption from training with the NRL team when he was still a teenager.
Storm failed in the final: the half-star will have surgery
Melbourne suffered a huge blow on the road to the NRL finals with star five-eighth Cameron Munster scheduled for surgery which could see him miss the rest of the regular season.
The Storm still have a chance to play in the final. They are four points off the top eight after 19 rounds but have a bye left in their campaign.
Cameron Munster will miss at least a month with the Storm.Getty Images
Nick Meaney’s 78th-minute try saw them home 22-18 against Gold Coast on Saturday night, but a run of seven straight early-season defeats left them four points outside the top eight.
“Melbourne Storm can confirm Cameron Munster will undergo knee surgery following a cartilage injury,” the club said in a statement released on Tuesday morning.
“Munster will begin rehabilitation with Storm medical staff and is expected to be sidelined for a minimum of 4-6 weeks.”
The 31-year-old No. 6 was rested by Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy ahead of the Titans clash after playing in all 15 club games he was available for this year and three State of Origin matches for Queensland.
The Maroons captain was replaced by Tyrann Wishart in last Sunday’s match at AAMI Park and the 26-year-old is favorite to open Friday night’s match against third-placed Sydney Roosters (28 points).
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