
One Super League-linked man who looked to have secured his future Down Under has now seen that deal collapse meaning that the door remains open for a possible move to Super League.
After months of speculation about where he would end up, it was reported that out of contract Manly Sea Eagles forward Matt Lodge was signing on a train-and-trial deal with St George Illawarra Dragons.
Lodge was without a club after reportedly having knocked back a two-year deal with Manly, instead insisting that he was worth more than the league minimum wage of $150,000 – or just over £76,000 per year.
News of the 29-year-old prop signing his deal with the Dragons was broken by the Sydney Morning Herald’s Michael Chammas who has now explained the major U-turn decision that Lodge has made.
Chammas took to social media to reveal that the forward wanted a top 30 contract as opposed to a train-and-trial deal, leading to the collapse.
He posted on X: “Update on the Matt Lodge situation.
“He did a medical with the Dragons on Friday. They were happy to give him train and trial deal worth $1200 a week but he wanted a top 30 contract. Deal fell over as a result.”
Based on the initial reports it was expected that Lodge would work with the team to try and force his way into the top 30 and earn that contract but that now does not seem to be the case.
With his time at St George shortlived the former Manly prop is now back on the market with just weeks before the new season starts.
It could even open up the door to Super League opportunities given that a few clubs still have overseas quota spots available, namely Huddersfield Giants, Wakefield Trinity and Leigh Leopards.
Previously Lodge had shut down the idea of playing in Super League as he told The Daily Telegraph: “I will definitely be playing in the NRL next year”, something that is looking less likely now after news of his Dragons exit.
Update on the Matt Lodge situation.
He did a medical with the Dragons on Friday. They were happy to give him train and trial deal worth $1200 a week but he wanted a top 30 contract. Deal fell over as a result.
— Michael Chammas (@MichaelChammas) January 19, 2025
