Super League-linked NRL prop released from contract

Super League-linked prop Matt Lodge has been released from NRL side Manly Sea Eagles, it has been confirmed.

The 29-year-old has made over 100 NRL appearances in a career which has seen him line up for all of Wests Tigers, Brisbane Broncos, New Zealand Warriors, Sydney Roosters and Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles.

His 2024 was plagued with injuries, and this has been a common occurence for the past few years since suffering an ACL injury in pre-season in 2020.

Last year, Zero Tackle suggested that Warrington Wolves and Leeds Rhinos were interested in signing him.

However, another ACL injury in August 2023 then ruled him out for much of 2024, meaning he departs Manly having managed just 12 appearances.

Super League-linked Matt Lodge released from contract

Announcing his departure, the Sea Eagles stated: “Experienced prop Matthew Lodge made a strong impression for Manly after arriving mid-season in 2023.

“A powerful runner of the ball and strong defender, Lodge quickly asserted his authority in the Sea Eagles pack before suffering a season ending ACL injury in round 23.

“Having returned against the Titans in round seven, Lodge suffered a biceps injury against Brisbane in round 11.

“Lodge played in Manly’s final four matches to bring his tally to 12 games with the Sea Eagles.”

The announcement came alongside confirmation that Brad Parker, Karl Lawton, Aaron Woods, Ben Condon, Jaxson Paulo and Jamie Humphreys would also be leaving the club.

Reportedly, his release is due to former Catalans Dragons man Sio Siua Taukeiaho being offered a contract instead – after being released by the Perpignan outfit mid-season.

However, it was reported by The Courier Mail last month that Lodge rejected an offer from the club worth around 150,000 AUD per season.

Recently, he told AAP: “Best-case scenario someone believes in me and does a couple-of-year deal.

“But it’s probably hard here, because since I got to Manly it’s been an unlucky run.

“At the end of the day people have got to understand I have four kids and have to pay the bills.”