Both fans and pundits will be closely observing whether the seasoned forward can demonstrate his value and earn a permanent position with the Dragons.
In a significant turn of events, forward
Matt Lodge has reportedly been given a
second chance in the NRL after securing
a train-and-trial deal with the St George
Illawarra Dragons. This move puts an
end to any potential Super League
transfer, which had been a widely
discussed possibility in recent months.
Lodge, 29, has had a rollercoaster career
in the NRL. After making his debut in
2014 with the Wests Tigers, he went on to
play for the Brisbane Broncos, where he
became a key figure for several years,
amassing over 60 appearances for the
club. However, the last few seasons have
seen Lodge struggle for stability, having
played for three different clubs over
three years. Most recently, the forward
was without a team after turning down a
two-year contract offer from the Manly
Sea Eagles, which would have seen him
play for the NRL’s minimum wage.
Now, Lodge is looking to reignite his
career with the Dragons. The deal he
signed, a train-and-trial contract, allows
him to train with the club in the hope of
earning a place on the NRL roster for the
upcoming season. While this is a positive
opportunity, there is still uncertainty
about whether Lodge will make the
club’s top 30 and be selected to play in
the NRL in 2025.
Lodge had been heavily linked with a
move to the Super League in England,
with reports suggesting that the UK
competition was his likely destination
after the 2024 NRL season. A contract
offer of $150,000 per year had been
reportedly on the table, but Lodge had
previously rejected the deal, citing
financial reasons and the desire to
provide for his family. He emphasized
that supporting his four children and
securing his family’s future took
precedence over other considerations.
“At the end of the day, people have to
understand I have four kids, and I have
to pay the bills,” Lodge had explained,
speaking candidly about his financial
priorities.
Despite the speculation surrounding a
potential Super League move, Lodge
made it clear late last year that his future
remained in the NRL. He told The Daily
Telegraph in November, “I will definitely
be playing in the NRL next year,”
shutting down any further talks of a
switch to England.
Now with the Dragons, Lodge faces a
fresh challenge: he will need to prove
himself on the training field in the hope
of earning a spot in the club’s top 30 for
the 2025 season. His previous contract
with Manly fell through when he
rejected a deal at the NRL’s minimum
wage, and now he finds himself on a
train-and-trial contract, where his future
in the NRL hinges on impressing the
Dragons’ coaching staff during pre-
season.
The forward’s NRL career has been
marked by both promise and
controversy. He has shown glimpses of
his potential but has also faced
disciplinary issues and criticism over his
inconsistent performances. However, the
Dragons could provide him with a
platform to demonstrate his skills and
prove that he still has plenty to offer in
the competition.
For the Dragons, the decision to bring in
Lodge on a train-and-trial basis is a low-
risk option, as it allows them to assess his
fitness and form before committing to a
full-time contract. If he impresses during
the pre-season, he could earn a regular
spot in the team, helping to shore up the
club’s forward pack for the upcoming
season.
Whether Lodge can make the most of
this lifeline remains to be seen, but for
now, he has an opportunity to continue
his NRL career and potentially salvage a
place in the competition. Fans and
experts will be watching closely to see if
the experienced forward can prove his
worth and secure a permanent spot with
the Dragons.
