10 MINUTES AGO: Legendary Jarryd Hayne Shatters the Silence With Fiery Defence of Zac Lomax, Slams Parramatta Eels and Coach Jason Ryles for “Betrayal”
In a stunning and emotional outburst that has already sent shockwaves through the rugby league world, Parramatta Eels icon Jarryd Hayne has publicly defended departing star Zac Lomax, calling the club’s treatment of him “a crime against Rugby” and accusing decision-makers of betraying one of the game’s most courageous young talents.
Speaking with raw emotion and unmistakable frustration, Hayne broke his silence just minutes ago, saying:
“What happened to him is a crime against Rugby — a blatant betrayal of everything this sport stands for. How can people be so cruel — criticizing a young man who carried an entire franchise on his shoulders, giving everything he has week after week? To me, he’s the future of the Parramatta Eels — and he deserves respect, not ridicule.”
Hayne’s explosive remarks come at a time when the Parramatta fanbase is deeply divided over the club’s decision to cut ties with Lomax under head coach Jason Ryles’ new regime. While club officials framed the exit as a “mutual decision” to pursue opportunities elsewhere, insiders and fans have long believed tension had been brewing behind the scenes.
Hayne, arguably the most influential player in modern Eels history, made it clear he isn’t buying the official narrative. Instead, he accused the club of abandoning a player who consistently gave his all—even during turbulent seasons that would have broken lesser athletes.
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“He carried this franchise” — Hayne’s explosive criticism
Hayne didn’t hold back when speaking about the heavy expectations placed on Lomax from the moment he arrived.
According to the league legend, Lomax not only met those expectations but exceeded them in every measurable way.
He highlighted:
Lomax’s willingness to shift positions whenever asked
His willingness to take on leadership roles despite being one of the younger players
His unmatched weekly commitment to training, conditioning, and on-field performance
His loyalty to the club even when results and public pressure made life unbearable
His emotional investment in the Eels’ future
Hayne argued that instead of rewarding that loyalty, the club—under Ryles—turned its back on one of the few players who consistently showed heart.
“You don’t discard players like that. You build around them,” he said.
“If this club can’t see what they had in Zac, then something is seriously wrong with the vision at the top.”
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Hayne takes direct aim at Jason Ryles
In the most controversial part of his statement, Hayne aimed directly at head coach Jason Ryles, accusing him of failing to appreciate Lomax’s value, both on and off the field.
“Ryles talks about culture. Well, Zac is culture. He plays with pride, passion, and purpose. Cutting him isn’t culture-building — it’s self-sabotage.”
These words mark one of the strongest public criticisms of Ryles since he took over. While some praise the coach’s bold roster overhaul, Hayne believes the Eels are making the wrong sacrifices.
He added that Ryles’ decision will be remembered as “one of the biggest blunders in modern Eels history.”
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Fans erupt as Hayne’s comments spread
Within minutes of Hayne’s remarks hitting social media, Eels fans began flooding platforms with messages of support, frustration, and disbelief. Many echoed the legend’s sentiment, insisting that the treatment of Lomax felt cold, rushed, and disrespectful.
Some fans even demanded the club issue a formal explanation after a club great publicly expressed disappointment in their direction.
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A defining moment for Lomax — and Parramatta
With speculation already swirling about Zac Lomax’s next move, Hayne’s emotional defence adds even more pressure on the Eels to justify their controversial decision.
For now, one thing is clear:
The departure of Zac Lomax has become more than a roster move —
it has become a symbol of deeper fractures within the club’s identity.
And with a legend like Jarryd Hayne calling it a “crime,” this story is far from over.
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