NRL 2021: Matt Lodge has told Broncos to sort out a transfer deal if they don’t want him

It’s been almost two months since the Broncos informed Matt Lodge he was free to join another club. But Brisbane still can’t broker a transfer deal and the big prop is sick of the mind games.

DARWIN, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 23: Matt Lodge of the Broncos watches on as he catches his breathe after being substituted during the round seven NRL match between the Parramatta Eels and the Brisbane Broncos at TIO Stadium, on April 23, 2021, in Darwin, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Brisbane prop Matt Lodge has taken aim at Broncos bosses and coach Kevin Walters, challenging the club to broker an immediate transfer deal if they don’t want him at Red Hill next season.

Lodge has become the poster boy of the uncertainty sweeping the Broncos, with Brisbane’s No.1 prop admitting he is “waiting for a tap on the shoulder” at a club he claims is giving him mixed messages about his future.

The Broncos have given permission for Tevita Pangai Jnr to leave and coach Walters has also advised Lodge, contracted until the end of 2024, he is free to find a new home due to salary-cap pressures.

Stream selected Fox League shows on Kayo Freebies completely free this June including NRL 360, Sunday Night with Matty Johns, Big League Wrap & more. No Credit Card. No Brainer. Register Free Now >

Matt Lodge has no idea when the Broncos will see the back of him.

But six weeks after Walters first met with Lodge to explain the club’s position, the Broncos have been unable to complete a subsidised deal with potential suitors Newcastle and the Warriors.

Lodge has been one of the Broncos’ best players this season, but admits the contractual saga has taken a toll on him mentally.

Asked if last Thursday night’s 46-0 loss to South Sydney was his final game for the club amid reports he is off to the Warriors, Lodge said: “You have to ask ‘Kevvie’ (Walters) what’s going on. I have no idea.

“It changes every week or two.

“I‘m confused by it all.

“I‘m trying to put my head to one side and play through it. I’ve had a few meetings with them now. One minute, I’m staying. Then they tell me I’m going. Then I’m staying again. Then I’m going again.

Lodge cuts a frustrated figure at the moment.

“It‘s up to them now, they need to make up their minds.”

Lodge’s management is not blameless in the transfer saga.

It is understood Newcastle were on the verge of agreeing terms with the Broncos last week, only for the deal to collapse at the eleventh hour after Lodge’s management requested additional funds from both parties.

Broncos football chief Peter Nolan was handling the Lodge matter but his sacking on Friday has added another layer of confusion to the affair.

Lodge is on around $800,000 this season at the Broncos and admits he doesn’t want to leave the club that threw him a lifeline following his New York rampage in 2015.

Once touted as a future captain under former coach Anthony Seibold, the veteran of 77 NRL games has struggled to strike the same rapport with Walters.

Lodge has been linked with moves to Newcastle or the Warriors.

The Broncos coach does not see Lodge in his future plans ... but his expensive salary has made it difficult to broker a transfer.

“I’m just waiting for a tap on the shoulder to be honest,” he said.

“I find it hard answering questions because I don’t know where I stand with the Broncos.

“It’s on-and-off, on-and-off, so it’s just distracting.

“I’m trying to compete hard for the club but I have no idea when it’s all over.

“I can handle the fallout alright, but someone like Tevita, he would know the club doesn’t want him and you can feel it out there on the field.

“It’s a physical game, you have to have your head in the game and unless you are pretty mentally strong, it’s hard to compete out there for a club that doesn’t want you.”

Warriors recruitment chief Peter O’Sullivan is the father of Lodge’s partner Jessica and family ties could eventually deliver the prop to the Kiwi club.

“I do know a bloke at the Warriors,” Lodge said with a wry grin, referring to O’Sullivan.

“I’ve loved playing at the Broncos, Suncorp is the best ground to play in the world to be honest and I’m enjoying it while it lasts.

“But I want to play for someone who wants me to play for them.

“Wherever that is, I will give 100 per cent for that club.”

Originally published as NRL 2021: Matt Lodge has told Broncos to sort out a transfer deal if they don’t want him