LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a move that has stirred up the Rugby League waters, the Manly Sea Eagles have locked in prop forward Matt Lodge for the 2025 season.
After initially setting sail away from the Sea Eagles at the end of 2024 due to a less-than-ideal contract situation, Lodge made a U-turn and decided to ride the Sea Eagles wave once more.
Lodge, known for his tough, hard-hitting style of play, had his sights set on greener pastures after receiving a low-ball offer from the NRL.
He made it clear that he wouldn't sacrifice his body for a subpar deal, but vowed to secure a better opportunity for himself in 2025.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs and St George Illawarra Dragons were circling like sharks in the water, hoping to reel in Lodge.
However, negotiations with the Rabbitohs fell through, and a rumored train and trial contract with the Dragons never came to fruition.
Instead, Lodge has chosen to anchor himself at Manly, where he will kick off the year in the NSW Cup with a pathway deal in place.
The determined prop will be looking to make a splash and earn his spot in the NRL squad as the season progresses.
With his future now settled, Lodge is ready to lace up his boots, hit the ground running, and show the Rugby League world what he's made of in 2025.