Super League-linked prop takes firm stance on future after Manly Sea Eagles release

Released Manly Sea Eagles prop Matt Lodge has made a decision on his future amidst a string of Super League links.

The 29-year-old prop has been linked with a Super League move on numerous occasions with Warrington Wolves named as one of those last season.

More recently, it was reported by The Courier Mail that Lodge had rejected an offer of approximately $150,000 per season, a salary that converts to £77,000 and therefore well within the realms of what Super League clubs could afford.

Following his release from Manly earlier this week, the forward has now confirmed what is to come for the 2025 season and Super League is firmly off the radar.

“I will definitely be playing in the NRL next year,” Lodge was quoted as saying per The Daily Telegraph.

The veteran, who has played for five different NRL sides, looks set to move to a sixth one for the upcoming season but he stopped short of confirming which side he has signed for.

NRL forward snubs Super League

Lodge started his NRL career with Wests Tigers in 2014 before making the move to the Queensland Cup after being axes by the club in late 2015.

After impressing at that level, Brisbane Broncos handed him an NRL lifeline and whilst he spent three seasons with the club, he has since represented three teams in four years.

He’s now soon to move to his fourth team in five years with injuries having hampered him badly at each club, specifically over the past two seasons.

In August 2023, Lodge suffered an ACL injury meaning he would play just 12 games across two seasons at Manly and that injury history is perhaps why offers of more than $150,000 per season were so fleeting.

Lodge had previously bemoaned that offer, stating: “I really thought about it, I wanted to meet them in the middle somewhere, but they had no salary cap space.

“I am fine with ‘Seibs’ and everyone at Manly, but I can’t play for that amount when that sort of money is given to a kid just coming out of a school who hasn’t played a game of NRL.

“I loved the club and the squad of players, but I have four boys and bills to pay, so I had to look after my future.”

He’s now found a new deal, confirming that is it not with a Super League side, suggesting that a different NRL club were willing to pay over $150,000.