Mystery surrounds Matt Lodge’s upcoming move, but the big name is expected to reach a new NRL club before the end of the season.
Lodge was granted an immediate release from his contract with the Warriors last week.
The club’s statement stated that the reason for the call was that the 26-year-old “could not commit to a long-term future in New Zealand when we return home next season”.
Play all games of each round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership season live and without commercials during the game in Kayo. Are we in Kayo? Try 14 days free now.
However, it has since been revealed that there was also a consequence with Warriors owner Mark Robinson.
There is no real rush for Lodge in the financial realm, as the Warriors have paid him in full for the rest of this season and all of next, a total of close to $ 700,000.
But his next move still surprised everyone.
‘If you don’t want to play, DON’T PLAY’ 03:46
Just four days after the launch, Lodge was seen playing in the suburban rugby union for North Brisbane.
The coach said The Sydney Morning Herald on Wednesday he may choose Lodge in Norths first grade this week “but he could have an NRL contract tomorrow or Friday … so we’ll wait and see.”
The question arises, at which club will NRL Lodge land?
We can put a line in the Broncos since he was shown the door last July and probably the Knights as well, as they have already filled their Top 30, unless they have moved someone to make room.
There are 13 clubs left in the NRL. However, it’s hard to see Lodge adjusting to the Storm system, the Bulldogs are likely to be quiet at the moment, and the Roosters have just improved an emerging striker with a lot of potential.
The Panthers already have plenty of options within their extended team, while the Eels are in good form at the moment and are also approaching a young Penrith striker.
MORE NEWS NRL
BRONCOS BOMBSHELL: Payne Haas calls for immediate release
REVEALED: The heated shock of the pub that caused the departure of Matt Lodge of the Warriors
WHISPERS: Bennett’s $ 1.5 Million Work for Eels Star Revealed Secret Journey
RED HILL TURNAROUND: the great calls that dragged the Broncos from the “bottom of the rock”
VINYL SEA NEEDLES
The rumor spread when it was revealed that Lodge and his partner had bought a house in Bayview, on the beaches of northern Sydney. However, it is worth noting that the property was purchased in January, four months before its release, and has been rented since February.
Regardless, the bond with Manly still seems the strongest.
The club has three places left on the list and the striker package is quite exhausted at the moment.
Taniela Paseka and Morgan Boyle are out of action indefinitely with respective knee and ankle injuries, while Hasler turned to training and testing player Kurt de Luis to fill his bench this week with Martin Taupau and Ethan Bullemor out.
Manly has emerging accessories Alec Tu’itavake, Jacob Sykes and Viliami Fifita to lean on, but they have no NRL experience, nor much booking experience.
There is also the fact that Taupau will not be at the club next season.
DRACS
The Dragons have two places to fill the roster and another striker makes sense.
Veteran props Aaron Woods and George Burgess have not exactly caught fire in the world since joining the club.
Meanwhile, Daniel Alvaro has been granted a mid-season leave for a Super League deal and it looks like Poasa Faamausili has fallen into disfavor.
Utility striker Tariq Sims will be out in the storm next season and the retirement could be scheduled for Josh McGuire, 32, out of contract at the end of the season.
MAGIC Munster makes Manly puree! | 00:59
RABBITS
South Sydney have two places to occupy and with Jacob Host out of the season, an extra striker could be a good move in the event of further injuries and coach Jason Demetriou has to shuffle his loungers.
The Bunnies also need to fill the void left by Mark Nicholls when he heads to the Dolphins next season.
Get all the latest NRL news, insights, and analysis straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now !!
TIGERS
It would be a full circle moment for Lodge after making his NRL debut at the club in 2014, but after Thomas Mikaele was released to go to the Super League, the Tigers have a place for a midfielder now and in the future.
James Tamou is unlikely to extend beyond this season, the versatile Kelma Tuilagi will head to Manly in 2023 and Joe Ofahengaue has a mutual option on his contract for next season.
TITANS
It is understood that Lodge wants to get closer to his family in New South Wales, but given that he is already established in Queensland, the Titans may not be a bad choice.
Herman Ese’ese and Jarrod Wallace are out at the end of this season and the latter is linked to a transfer to the Dolphins.
An extra body in front would also be useful for coach Justin Holbrook.
DOLPHINS
It’s a tricky option since the Dolphins ’engagements won’t start until the preseason starts in November, but it’s also an attractive option.
With a whopping $ 700,000 in his back pocket, the weather is, in a way, on Lodge’s side.
He is currently playing rugby to keep fit and could continue to do so until the end of the season.
However, according to reports, the Dolphins believe they will not be able to afford Lodge as they have already spent a lot of money on star forwards like Bromwich brothers and Felise Kaufusi.
But it would be naive to put a line through the expansion club when Wayne Bennett is in the lead. Bennett and Lodge have had a good relationship since their time together in the Broncos.
Lodge’s father-in-law, Peter O’Sullivan, is also the head of recruitment and was a big factor behind Lodge’s move to the Warriors.