Front-rower Matt Lodge has indeed finalised a new contract with Manly, despite his earlier refusal of a two-year contract extension rumoured to be around $150,000 per season late last year.
The 29-year-old has signed a deal that permits him to engage in construction work, participate in boxing bouts, and continue playing rugby league.
Manly announced on Friday that Lodge has secured a position in the Sea Eagles’ extended squad for the 2025 season, expressing his ambition to reclaim a place in the club’s top-30 roster. He will kick off his season in the NSW Cup.
This off-season, Lodge explored opportunities with the Rabbitohs and Dragons, as reported by The Sydney Morning Herald, but ultimately opted to return to the Sea Eagles.
His time with Manly has been marred by injury, restricting him to just 12 NRL games over his first two seasons due to an ACL tear and a biceps injury.
“While I have to meet my financial obligations, it’s not solely about the money,” Lodge stated.
“I had an offer from another club that I thought was best for my family at that point, but circumstances shifted, and you have to adapt.”
Matt Lodge takes a hit-up for Manly in 2024. Getty
“After considering everything, I’ve come to the realisation that this is where I truly want to be, and I’m ready to make sacrifices to achieve that. I’ve built a lot of close friendships during my time with Manly, and it feels like home. I left on good terms, feeling that there was so much more to give after facing some unfortunate injury setbacks.
“So, I turned down that other offer, and here we are.”
Lodge’s next boxing match is scheduled for March 2 at Bella Vista Hotel in Sydney’s north-west, just six days ahead of Manly’s first game in the NSW Cup season.
In his only professional fight to date, Lodge claimed victory over Alexander Ale via knockout at the same venue back in November.
“I’ll keep working on a building site three days a week, where I’ve been for the past six months, while also prepping for my second pro fight in early March,” Lodge shared.
“My four young boys are avid Manly supporters, having grown up here and played for Mona Vale Raiders.”
Matt Lodge crashes into a Sharks defensive line in 2024. Getty
“They were in tears when I explained that I might have to leave, but they’re thrilled now.”
“We’re well settled on the northern beaches, and family time, along with our lifestyle, is paramount to us.”
“Now it’s up to me to put in the hard yards and fight my way back, ready for whenever the [NRL] team needs me.”
Lodge is optimistic about his chances of rejoining Manly’s NRL team.
“I have confidence in my abilities and believe I can get back to where I belong,” Lodge declared.
“It was never my intention to leave the club; it was about the enticing offer that came up at the time. I won’t go into specifics, but as always, things have a way of working out in the end.”
“I felt I was just starting to find my rhythm towards the end of last season, and I’m eager to dive back in.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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