Matt Lodge’s controversial NRL career appears to be over.
The front rower has played his last match for North Queensland, who have granted him an immediate release. The 31-year-old will leave for the English Super League, where he will link up with ex-Eels coach Brad Arthur at Leeds.
The Rhinos contract is only until the end of the season, giving Lodge five regular-season matches, plus finals, to prove he deserves a longer deal. He is expected to fly to England this weekend.
The journeyman prop had fallen out of favour with the Cowboys, who cut him for the must-win clash against Parramatta on Saturday.
If Lodge doesn’t play in the NRL again, it brings to an end a controversial 148-game NRL career after stints at the Tigers, Broncos, Warriors, Roosters, Sea Eagles and Cowboys.
Lodge was involved in a violent, alcohol-fuelled incident in New York in 2015 which threatened to end his career and made headlines around the world. Then a 20-year-old Tigers forward, Lodge was arrested at gunpoint and held in custody for several days after a drunken home invasion that terrorised a Manhattan family.
Originally charged with felony burglary causing injury, which carried a minimum of five years’ jail and a maximum of 25 years, Lodge’s lawyers negotiated a plea deal, accepting a misdemeanour count of reckless assault.
To avoid a one-year jail sentence, Lodge completed 200 hours of community service in Australia and agreed to abstain from alcohol and illegal drugs. He later paid more than $1 million in compensation to the victims of his crime.
After spending time at the infamous Rikers Island prison, Lodge has been keen to make his rugby league career a story of redemption. That career now takes him to the north of England.
Bears switch attention from Paulo to dumped Raider
The Perth Bears have emerged as the likely destination for out-of-favour Canberra prop Corey Horsburgh after he was axed on Tuesday following his “brain explosion” in the Raiders season-ending loss to Newcastle.
The Bears had been in negotiations with Parramatta prop Junior Paulo about a two-year deal, but weren’t prepared to meet an asking price above $900,000 a season.
They have now turned their attention to Horsburgh, with Bears coach Mal Meninga meeting the 28-year-old on Tuesday.
The Raiders, meanwhile, are keen on Broncos forward Jaiyden Hunt. The Broncos want to keep Hunt, but Canberra’s interest is an indication they don’t expect to have Horsburgh on their books next year, sources not authorised to comment, said.
Brisbane were also in negotiations with Horsburgh, but are unlikely to have the salary cap space required to make a serious play.
Horsburgh is contracted to the Raiders for next year, but he was given permission several weeks ago to explore his options early.
Canberra coach Ricky Stuart on Tuesday dropped Horsburgh for Saturday’s clash against Cronulla. Stuart was furious on Sunday after Horsburgh was sent to the sin-bin for slapping Knights centre Dane Gagai in Sunday’s 30-24 loss to Newcastle.
“We should have gone 26-all and there was a brain explosion. It was a f---ing brain explosion, and we lost the opportunity,” Stuart said. “There was one last week or the week before with Alex Twal. Everyone knows you’re not allowed to do that.”
Horsburgh is contracted to the Raiders for next year, but he was given permission several weeks ago to explore his options early.
The Eels have tabled Paulo a one-year offer, but want him to remain at the club after his playing career ends. It’s likely the former NSW prop will stay put.
In other team news, Penrith have named Dylan Edwards on an extended bench, raising hopes he could make his return from a shoulder injury against the Roosters. It would result in a clash of superstar fullbacks after James Tedesco was named after sitting out the clash against Canterbury with an ankle injury.
Parramatta utility Dylan Walker returns after being rested, while Apa Twidle will wear the No.1 jersey in the absence of Isaiah Iongi.
And it’s a double boost for Newcastle after centre Bradman Best and hooker Phoenix Crossland named to return from calf injuries against the Titans on Sunday.
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