What's next for renegade NRL players after rebel rugby competition R360 was sensationally delayed

'Hoodwinked' footy stars Zac Lomax and Ryan Papenhuyzen could eventually return to the NRL after the bombshell news that rugby competition R360 has been delayed until 2028.

The development also means Payne Haas is almost certain to stay at the Broncos.

Lomax's case is complex given the representative winger - who was on a $700,000 per-season contract until 2028 - has a clause in his release which prevents him from playing for any NRL club besides Parramatta.

He may also consider a left-field sporting challenge, with the 26-year-old reportedly weighing up a move to boxing or MMA. 

After the R360 news broke on Friday night, ARL Commission boss Peter V'landys stated Lomax and Papenhuyzen - who were granted early releases from their NRL deals - 'are most welcome' to come back to the greatest game of all.

'They were just victims of the mirage,' V'landys said.

'(It's) no surprise. Their current business model was never going to work. It's a shame so many people were hoodwinked.'

Papenhuyzen, 27, could go and test himself abroad playing rugby in either France or Japan. He was a schoolboy union star at Sydney's Oakhill College.

Another option is joining an NRL club who need a quality fullback, namely Cronulla or the Dragons.

The premiership-winner, who was granted a release by Melbourne in October, may also end a marquee signing for the Perth Bears ahead of the 2027 NRL season.

His former Melbourne Storm teammate Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been left in the wilderness after leaving AAMI Park.

The veteran front-rower may join Parramatta to play under Jason Ryles - or pursue a boxing career. 

In an email sent on Friday night, R360 said their focus is strengthening their credibility ahead of a 2028 launch.

'R360 has always been about supporting the long-term growth of the sport we love,'  board member Mike Tindall said.

'Our aim is to create a global showcase league that sits between international and club rugby - a competition that keeps fans engaged year-round, brings new audiences into the game, and elevates both male and female players on a global stage.

'As per many other sports, evolution is critical to broadening its appeal, finding new talent and realising commercial value. 

'Cricket, Formula 1, football, sailing, golf, boxing, darts - to name a few - are all finding new ways to tell new stories to new audiences and building a stronger sport. This is rugby's opportunity.

'The decision to shift our launch to 2028 is a strategic decision based on timing. 

'We are building something bold and new that will resonate globally - and we cannot wait to show the world.'