Lodge gets release from Warriors

The Warriors’ hopes of making it into the top eight this season have suffered a massive blow with prop Matt Lodge leaving the NRL club immediately after being granted a release from the rest of his contract.

‘‘Matt told us a while ago that for professional and personal reasons he couldn’t commit to a long-term future in New Zealand when we return home for next season,’’ said Warriors CEO Cameron George.

‘‘The opportunity for him to leave now allows us to move forward with our future planning and to develop our younger players.

‘‘We’re grateful to Matt for the contribution he has made since joining us last year and wish him and his family all the best for the future.’’

Lodge, 26, joined the Warriors from the Broncos in July last year. He had an option in his favour for next season and while there was always considerable doubt he’d take that up, especially after he knocked back a longer term deal, he was expected to see out this season.

‘‘I couldn’t see my family living in New Zealand for a long-term future,’’ said Lodge in a statement from the Warriors.

‘‘Therefore we decided that the best thing for the club was for us to mutually part ways so they have some clarity.’’

Meanwhile, Jazz Tevaga will make his 100th appearance for the club against the Dragons today, becoming just the second player in the current roster to achieve this milestone after Shaun Johnson.

He made his debut against the Storm in March, 2016, and has gone on to establish himself as one of the club’s most consistent, hard working and loyal players.

Today’s game at Jubilee Stadium sees the Warriors looking to get their season back on track, following four losses in their last five games.