Super League target at the centre of transfer controversy

We have seen the likes of Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and Hull KR have all made signings for 2024.

Leeds Rhinos signed Mickael Goudemand from the Catalans Dragons for 2024 who have replaced him with Hull FC star Chris Satae for next season.

They have also lost Tiaki Chan and Adam Keighran to Wigan who have signed Sam Walters from Leeds and his former teammate and Huddersfield Giants star Kruise Leeming from the NRL.

This is an avenue many clubs will take in terms of recruitment with Lachlan Fitzgibbon joining Warrington next year after the Wolves beat four other Super League clubs to his signature for next year.

Hull KR meanwhile have signed Oliver Gildart and Peta Hiku from the NRL.

Recently, two Super League clubs in Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves were tipped by Australian reports to make a move for NRL star Matt Lodge and now is exit has been further reported.

The 28-year-old is looking for a new club and though there will be plenty of suitors down under, Super League clubs will be monitoring the situation.

Reports suggest that a number of Super League clubs would be interested in the forward but tipped two to make a play for him.

The publication claimed that Warrington Wolves would be the mostly likely Super League club to make a move for him with Leeds Rhinos a close second.

The Rhinos have been open about looking for a new forward. Sam Walters is set to join Wigan Warriors at the end of the year after all.

As for Warrington, they lost Thomas Mikaele earlier this year and now Josh McGuire.

Hull FC were another side mentioned by reports down under. They are losing Chris Satae at the end of the season as they undergo a rebuild.

However, in an unexpected twits Lodge has joined Manly Sea Eagles for the rest of the season on a train and trial contract.

He is trying to earn a deal with the Sea Eagles for next year but it doesn’t mean that the door to Super League is completely shut.

However, the prop is now at the centre of a transfer scandal according to Fox League.

The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio revealed the details of his contract and raised concerns it was setting a dangerous precedent.

“It’s slightly more than $1000,” he said on NRL360

“I have concerns when you sign a player valued at around $600,000 at his previous club and then comes into another club with seven or eight weeks left in the season and signs for a train and trial level of contract.

“I don’t see how it’s right that you can pick up a player of $600,000 value and pay him much less to help you get to the finals.”

Riccio revealed the NRL was ready to step in.

“If he’s selected this weekend and continues to play for the Manly Sea Eagles there will be a value placed on Lodge that has salary cap implications going forward.”