Lodge set for longer stay at the Broncos

NOT even the pulling power of Phil Gould could lure Matt Lodge from Brisbane after the controversial prop declared he would not be leaving the Broncos.

Lodge will confront former club Penrith for the first time in Broncos colours at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

The 23-year-old came through Penrith’s junior grades before making his NRL debut for Wests Tigers in 2014.

Lodge was sacked by the Tigers following his infamous New York rampage in 2015 and spent more than two years in the NRL wilderness before resurrecting his career at the Broncos this season.

The 121kg player has attracted interest from other clubs following his impressive return to the NRL.

He met Penrith supremo Gould (pictured) late last year, and ‘‘Gus’’ revealed Lodge indicated he may one day like to return to the Panthers.

However, that will not be in 2019 after the off-contract Lodge yesterday said he would be remaining at Red Hill.

“(Gould) has always been good to me,” Lodge said.

“He’s been in touch since I left.

‘‘I didn’t get too much out of it (discussion) because I’m at the Broncos and I’m going to stay here. It’s good to have his support and he’s always supported me. I’m respectful of him for that.

“Hopefully I can get something (contract extension) sorted out soon.

‘‘I don’t really deal with it, I’m trying to play good footy every week. We need to pick up our game and make a charge to the finals.”