AAP2 Minute Read
Sydney Roosters enforcer Matt Lodge is on the hunt for a new club in 2024, saying coach Trent Robinson has apologised to him after a contract extension became unlikely.
Lodge joined the Roosters last year, and signed a 12-month deal for 2023 with one eye on a long-term contract if veteran prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves retired at the end of the year.
But Lodge concedes he is now playing for a new deal elsewhere after Waerea-Hargreaves last month signed a one-year extension.
The Roosters have also poached explosive Penrith prop Spencer Leniu from next season, while Lodge remains unlikely to displace State of Origin forward Lindsay Collins in the depth chart.
It leaves the 28-year-old looking for a fourth club in as many seasons, having also turned out for Brisbane and the Warriors since 2021.
“I’m not sure, obviously Jared’s going to play on now,” Lodge said on Tuesday.
“I probably stayed this year, hoping (or) assuming that there was a long-term thing, but things have changed. I’m all good with just riding the wave.”
“I know they were trying and … I’ve had a chat with Robbo about that and he was a little bit apologetic.”
“That’s the game, it’s a business. It’s probably going to be a little bit hard to stay here.”
“I don’t love floating around and bouncing around but it is what it is.”
Lodge is only averaging 33 minutes per game and is managing just 80 metres running, his lowest mark since the 2015 season with Wests Tigers.
“Lindsay and Jared are doing well and they’re the starting props, so I’m probably a bit limited with minutes … at the moment,” he said.
“But I’ve had a couple of injuries as well … I’m looking to just play some more consistent, better footy in the weeks ahead.”