Lodge injured but hopeful of return to NRL
MATT Lodge is confident he will feature for Brisbane this NRL season despite scans confirming a partial ACL tear for the key Broncos’ forward.
The prop will attempt to rehabilitate the injury rather than go under the knife, potentially allowing a return, despite initial fears the knee injury might have ruled him out for the season.
He still faces potentially months on the sidelines but the news comes as a relief for Lodge, who had feared the worst after hitting the deck on Tuesday at training.
“I have had experience with this type of injury in the past with a positive outcome,” Lodge said.
“Yesterday was unfortunate but I received some good news today … I am lucky, I will get straight into my rehab immediately and will do everything I can to get back on the field as soon as possible.
“Nothing is certain with knee injuries, but I am confident I can get back on the field in 2020.”
The loss of Lodge for an extended period would be a devastating blow to Brisbane’s hopes of launching a premiership charge in the wake of their 58-0 finals debacle against the Eels last year.
The 24-year-old was set to start alongside Payne Haas in the front row, having worked his way into NSW Origin discussions last year while also earning a promotion to the club’s leadership group this season.
It would be the fourth ACL injury before an official trial game has been played in the NRL off-season after similar setbacks for Sydney’s Billy Smith, Gold Coast captain Ryan James and Warriors prop Bunty Afoa.