The new year is over a week old but there are still players looking for a new club in 2023.
In fact there are over 20 players down under who need to lock in a new club for the new season including forward Matt Lodge.
Lodge joined Sydney Roosters on a bargain deal last year from New Zealand Warriors and is keen to stay with the club but the situation with the NRL salary cap delayed any new deal and saw him dropped to a train and trial deal.
He is still keen on staying with the Roosters but could a Super League side tempt him with the promise of a big deal?
Here are three Super League sides who could make the move for the NRL forward.
Catalans Dragons
After agreeing the release of Dylan Napa, the Dragons are in the market for a new prop and turned to former Warrington Wolves and Salford Red Devils man Ben Murdoch-Masila. But they missed out on the big unit so could instead turn to Matt Lodge. They have signed from the Sydney Rooster in the past, so have the precedent behind them.
Leigh Leopards
The Leopards’ “plan” is to make further signings according to owner Derek Beaumont and now have a quota spot open following the departure of Blake Ferguson on compassionate grounds and Nene MacDonald’s move to Leeds Rhinos. Beaumont also said the club was interested in a middle forward making Napa the ideal signing.
Salford Red Devils
The only other Super League club with a quota spot is the Red Devils who could be interested in a prop after Sitaleki Akauola left for Toulouse Olympique after signing for the Reds last year from Warrington Wolves. Thus, a move for Lodge would make sense.
