Lodge gets captaincy backing

RETIRING Brisbane veteran Darius Boyd has anointed Matt Lodge as a future captain, urging Broncos bosses to ignore the prop’s controversial past and consider grooming him for the top job.

Yesterday, the very day when Boyd announced he would quit rugby league at season’s end, the former skipper hailed Lodge, Pat Carrigan and Payne Haas as the big three to lead the Broncos into a new era.

Lodge (pictured) was touted as a possible successor to Boyd this season and his name was raised with the Brisbane board, which ultimately opted for the experience and squeaky-clean image of veteran Alex Glenn.

Former Broncos skipper Gorden Tallis lashed Lodge this week, saying he should never captain the club after his infamous New York saga in 2015, when he was arrested and charged with assault after threatening two tourists.

Boyd, however, believes the 24-year-old is a future leader.

“Lodgey ... we don’t have to talk about his past, but he is a special person and has done a lot of great things on and off the field at the Broncos,” Boyd said.

Boyd privately played a role in Carrigan’s elevation to a captaincy cameo in last week’s trial against the Titans.

“Patty has a very level head on his shoulders and he speaks well. He is already a great leader and always working on things as well,” Boyd said.

When Glenn withdrew from the season opener with injury, coach Anthony Seibold offered to let Boyd, who was stripped on the captaincy six weeks ago, reclaim the reins.

The 32-year-old declined, saying it was an opportunity for the Broncos to look to the future by blooding Carrigan.