LODGE OPENS UP ON BRONCOS’ FUTURE
MATT Lodge has broken his silence on his future to declare he wants to remain at the Broncos as he scuppered talk of a fallout with new Brisbane coach Kevin Walters.
Lodge was shopped to rival NRL clubs during the off-season and fielded strong interest from the Warriors amid speculation Walters did not privately see the controversial prop in his front-row rotation plans.
But Lodge’s outstanding performance in Brisbane’s opening trial against Wynnum last Friday night — he was the best player on the field — is evidence the 25-year-old is primed to hit back from his injury-ravaged 2020 season.
As he prepares to spearhead Brisbane’s pack in Saturday night’s testimonial trial for Alex Glenn against the Cowboys at Redcliffe, Lodge said he was committed to the Broncos and stressed he is not at loggerheads with Walters.
“There’s been a lot of talk, but I want to stay here,” Lodge said. “Kevvie has come in as coach and he didn’t know too much about what went on with me last year.
“As coach, I guess he has every right to want to move me, but we seem to have sorted things out and I’m happy.
“Kevvie wants me here now and I’m happy here playing with my mates, so I will put in every day that I am here.”
Lodge is contracted until the end of 2022 and has a further two-year option in his favour, which could keep him at Brisbane until 2024.
He has worked hard over summer to recover from two knee injuries and prove to critics his hulking 118kg frame is mobile enough to handle the up-tempo speed of the NRL under the six-again rule.
Asked if he sought clarity from Walters, Lodge said: “There wasn’t much said between us.
“Kevvie left me alone, but there is mutual respect between us and he knows I know how to play the game.
“The biggest issue for me is getting my body right and condition again and get some minutes back in.”
Walters challenged him to recapture the form that saw him rated a future NSW Origin player.
“Matt is staying here. He has a Broncos contract and that’s what is happening,” he said.
“He was our best player in the trial (against Wynnum) so he’s had a good start.
“He showed his class against the Wynnum side.
“He’s a genuinely good NRL player.
“I just want to see Matt be consistent this year.
“I want him to cart the ball forward strongly.
“He has a nice pass in him and defensively he has some presence, so there’s no issues for me.”
Lodge is adamant his larger frame can adjust to the increased speed of the NRL around the rucks.
“My knees are feeling a lot better now,” he said.
“I have put in a good preseason, I’ve really put the work in so I feel good with my body.”