LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Matt Lodge is set to join the North Queensland Cowboys, marking the sixth club in his NRL career as he reportedly signs a one-year contract.
After spending the last three seasons with the Manly Sea Eagles, Lodge declined a one-year extension for 2026, stating he would not accept a minimum value contract.
His tenure at Manly has been plagued by injuries, and before that, he had played for several teams, including the Wests Tigers, Brisbane Broncos, New Zealand Warriors, and Sydney Roosters.
Lodge nearly left Manly a year earlier but ultimately passed on a potential opportunity with the St George Illawarra Dragons for the 2025 season.
Contrary to expectations of finishing his career in the English Super League, where he had drawn interest, Lodge has decided to take a chance on relocating to Townsville, according to a report from news.com.au.
The Cowboys, currently in a phase of restructuring their lineup, are under significant pressure as coach Todd Payten faces scrutiny following a less-than-stellar 2025 season.
Much of the focus around the North Queensland team has shifted towards their future for 2027, especially since the recent November 1 deadline passed for negotiating with off-contract players from other teams.