# Matthew Lodge

Matthew Lodge (born 31 May 1995) is a rugby league footballer who most recently played as a prop for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in the National Rugby League (NRL).
He previously played for the Wests Tigers, Brisbane Broncos, New Zealand Warriors and the Sydney Roosters in the NRL.

## Background

Lodge was born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
He played his junior rugby league for St. Patricks Blacktown before being signed by the Penrith Panthers.

## Playing career
### Early career

He played for Penrith's NYC team in 2012.
In September 2012, Lodge signed a contract with the Melbourne Storm starting in 2013. He played for the Storm's NYC team in 2013 and 2014. He was named at prop in the 2013 NYC Team of the Year.

### Wests Tigers

In June 2014, Lodge joined the Wests Tigers mid-season for the remainder of the season, joining their NYC squad. In Round 17 of the 2014 NRL season, Lodge made his NRL debut for the Tigers against his former team, the Penrith Panthers. He made four first grade appearances for the year. He was described as a "110kg battering ram," who was "certain to feature in the regular squad next season." Later in the year, he was chosen to participate in the NSW under-20s pathway camp.
On 19 October 2015, Lodge was sacked by the Tigers after being arrested in New York City. He was due back in court for sentencing in December after entering a guilty plea.

### Brisbane Broncos

After spending some time with the Redcliffe Dolphins in the Queensland Cup, Lodge signed a 1-year contract with the Brisbane Broncos starting in 2018.
Lodge made 22 appearances for Brisbane in the 2019 NRL season as the club finished 8th on the table and qualified for the finals. Lodge played in the club's elimination final against Parramatta which Brisbane lost 58-0 at the new Western Sydney Stadium. The defeat was the worst in Brisbane's history and also the biggest finals defeat in history.
On 19 February 2020, Lodge suffered an ACL injury during pre-season training for Brisbane and was ruled out for an extended period.
Lodge only featured in six games for Brisbane in the 2020 NRL season as the club finished last on the table.

### New Zealand Warriors

Lodge agreed a midseason switch from Brisbane to the Warriors during the 2021 NRL season. In the final round of the 2021 NRL season, Lodge was sent to the sin bin for a dangerous high tackle in the club's 44-0 loss against the Gold Coast. In May 2022, Lodge was released from his New Zealand contract with immediate effect. Lodge was then paid out the remaining $700,000 of his contract in full by the club.

### Sydney Roosters

Following his abrupt departure from the New Zealand Warriors, Lodge was signed to a short-term contract by the Sydney Roosters, joining the club in July 2022. Following the clubs opening round loss of the 2023 NRL season, it was revealed that Lodge would be ruled out for an extended period after suffering a facial fracture. On 19 June, it was reported that Lodge had been granted an immediate release from his Sydney Roosters contract.

### Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

It was announced on 10 July 2023 that Lodge joined the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles on a train and trial deal. In round 21 of the 2023 NRL season, Lodge made his club debut for Manly in their 30-26 victory over rivals Cronulla in the battle of the beaches game. On 5 August 2023, it was announced Lodge would miss approximately nine months with an ACL injury. Lodge was limited to only nine games for Manly in the 2024 NRL season as they finished 7th on the table and qualified for the finals. Manly would be eliminated in the second week of the finals by the Sydney Roosters.
On 17 January 2025, Lodge had signed a train and trial contract with the St. George Illawarra Dragons for the 2025 season. Over the following hours Dragons coach Shane Flanagan had denied reports that Lodge had joined the team.
On 7 February 2025, Manly and Lodge agreed to terms for him to return to the squad as part of the extended team and will play for the Manly NSW Cup team. Lodge also said he will continue working on a building site while he prepares for his second professional fight in the mean time.

## Representative career

Lodge has played for the Australian Schoolboys.
In 2011, Lodge played for both the New South Wales Under 16s and Under 18s teams.
In 2013 and 2014, Lodge played for the New South Wales Under 20s team. Lodge was representing the NSW under-20s side when he was given a 3-week suspension after he was televised with the word "CUNT" clearly written on his wrist strapping.
On 2 May 2015, Lodge played for the Junior Kangaroos against Junior Kiwis.

## Statistics

*stats correct as of the end of the 2024 season
| Year | Team | Games | Tries | Pts |
| 2014 | Wests Tigers | 4 | | |
| 2015 | Wests Tigers | 8 | | |
| 2018 | Brisbane Broncos | 25 | 3 | 12 |
| 2019 | Brisbane Broncos | 22 | 1 | 4 |
| 2020 | Brisbane Broncos | 6 | | |
| 2021 | Brisbane Broncos | 12 | | |
| 2021 | New Zealand Warriors | 6 | | |
| 2022 | New Zealand Warriors | 8 | | |
| 2022 | Sydney Roosters | 9 | 2 | 8 |
| 2023 | Sydney Roosters | 9 | | |
| 2023 | Manly Warringah Sea Eagles | 3 | | |
| 2024 | Manly Warringah Sea Eagles | 9 | | |
| 2025 | Manly Warringah Sea Eagles | | | |
| | Totals | 121 | 6 | 24 |

## Assault charge and lawsuit in New York and NRL controversy

On 16 October 2015, Lodge was arrested and charged with assault after he threatened two German tourists, chased them into a New York apartment building, and attacked a man who attempted to help. He proceeded to break into and smash furniture in the man's apartment, including punching a wall through the bathroom door where a nine-year-old boy was hiding, before being stopped by police. He was initially charged with felony burglary causing injury, but it was reduced to a misdemeanor charge of reckless assault as part of a plea deal. The victims then filed a civil lawsuit against Lodge for US$2 million in July 2016. In December 2016, Lodge avoided jail time, and was ordered to complete 200 hours of community service, quit drinking, and receive alcohol abuse and anger treatment. Lodge signed a 1-year contract worth an estimated AU$85,000 with Brisbane Broncos for the 2018 National Rugby League season. The NRL were scrutinised for supporting Lodge and allowing the deal to happen while the victims have not been legally compensated.