Roosters give Lodge permission to leave immediately - SMH

[Horry]

The Sydney Roosters have granted Matt Lodge permission to leave the club immediately after the prop forward’s management requested a release from the final year of his deal.

The Roosters left Lodge out of their NRL team last week, and he is no longer part of their plans this season.

The club turned down two requests in the past month for Lodge to leave immediately, however a Roosters official confirmed to this masthead the club has had a change of heart.

The club is privately disappointed with Lodge’s performances and attitude since he was informed his contract wouldn’t be renewed, which allowed the club to re-sign veteran prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves for another season.

The Roosters haven’t got the money for another middle forward, given they will welcome premiership-winning Panthers forward Spencer Leniu in 2024.

Lodge’s management last week again asked the club for a release, the third request in a month. This time, the club agreed to part ways with the front-rowe

It’s unclear whether a deal has been done at a rival club. Lodge is on a contract worth about $300,000 at the Roosters this season, and is still attending training despite the fact he is unlikely to play for the Tricolours again.

Financially, Lodge’s release will have little impact on the Roosters’ salary cap position, but they have no objections to the former Broncos forward leaving immediately.
The club had been impressed with Lodge since he joined the club, but things began to sour when it became clear the Roosters would prioritise the retention of Waerea-Hargreaves over him.

News Corp last week reported Lodge recently met Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo about the prospect of heading to Belmore but no deal was guaranteed.

Lodge addressed his future earlier this month but gave no indication as to where he would end up.

“I think I’ll be heading on at this point,” Lodge said.

“I’m just happy to play my role ... whether it ends here, at the end of the year or if it’s longer. I’ve enjoyed my time here and I am enjoying my time here, so it’s good.

“I’m on a reduced [deal] but I can’t do that forever. I was probably under the assumption that I was going to stay longer when I did that, and we did speak about that, but the situation changed.”

[rented tracksuit]

Bye.

[Bates]

Sayonara

[dice]

I don't understand the vitriol towards Lodge. He has been the only forward capable of bending the line under pressure. I feel his departure more to do with his agent than anything else.

[Dr. Voodoo Man]

This situation has really turned sour. He seemed to be a great signing but has really deteriorated over the past months. If he doesn't want to play then fark him off asap.

[Bates]

I don't understand the vitriol towards Lodge. He has been the only forward capable of bending the line under pressure. I feel his departure more to do with his agent than anything else.

He stopped trying! His game against the Riff appeared to be the final straw.

[Easts75]

He was good for us until he got told he was finished with us at seasons end. Will we bring in another player to our top 30

[worldbe3]

Lodge was good last year. He was a big part of that 8 game winning streak but clearly he’s a difficult person and he’s managed by Moses. You’d think Suaalii is probably gone in the off season too

[NorfolkStreetKid]

He was huge for us last year, I don't think we would have made the 8 without him.
I think he has the potential to be a real top line prop, but there must be something in his attitude which holds him back.
I don't think Leniu will be anything great, and may is looking very average, good props are very hard to find.
Makes you realise how great JWH has been for us.

[Bates]

That's a bit of extra cash to throw at someone.

A HUNTing we will go, a HUNTing we will go

[BraveTheWorld]

Yeah, he was absolutely massive for us last year, and maybe even the reason we made the finals. That being said, he has been average to very poor this year.
I think it's best for both parties that he leaves. Thankful for his service last year, but there have definitely been some issues this year. Not sure if it's fitness, attitude, personality problems or what.

I wonder if we're looking to pick anyone up prior to the transfer window closing.

[Steakface]

I don't understand the vitriol towards Lodge. He has been the only forward capable of bending the line under pressure. I feel his departure more to do with his agent than anything else.

Bending the line means little if you're got a shit attitude a nd a history of causing team disharmony.

I also think you've got a compromised memory re his performances.

He was good last year, but has been below par in 2023 (while demanding crazy money for his next contract).

[dice]

He stopped trying! His game against the Riff appeared to be the final straw.

I don't agree. Lodge played half the minutes of Collins and made similar metres. He was probably guilty of trying too hard if anything and made a couple mistakes with offloads and play-the-ball.

[Steakface]

I don't think Leniu will be anything great, and may is looking very average, good props are very hard to find.
Makes you realise how great JWH has been for us.

Leniu is one of the best young props in the game. It is a huge signing for us, make no mistake.

May according to accounts will not have his contract renewed due to attitude problems.

Lodge is a good (but over-rated) prop that appears to have major attitude issues. These have been well documented from his time at the Storm and the Warriors. It was always a speculative signing and I dont think we would have made it if the Warriors werent paying the bulk of it. He is not worth the crazy money he is asking for.

JWH is the best NRL prop of the past decade, hands down. Even if he only plays 50% of next season, he is worth every dollar.
There is nobody in the NRL you can replace JWH with in terms of passion for the club, on-field aura and attitude, inspiring his team mates.

[rented tracksuit]

Lodge was good last year. He was a big part of that 8 game winning streak but clearly he’s a difficult person and he’s managed by Moses. You’d think Suaalii is probably gone in the off season too

We can only hope.