Broncos boss Paul White hits back at Matt Lodge critics

BRISBANE’S lifeline for Matt Lodge has sparked widespread condemnation and he will be the villain of the 2018 NRL season.

Matt Lodge will be the villain of the 2018 NRL season.

BRISBANE boss Paul White has hit back at critics of Matt Lodge as the Broncos prepare to unleash the 116kg player on the Dragons following his barnstorming pre-season.

Lodge produced a dominant display in Saturday’s 26-12 trial defeat of the PNG Hunters — sealing his selection in the front row for the Round 1 clash against St George Illawarra at Kogarah on Thursday week.

The 22-year-old toyed with the Titans a fortnight ago and he backed up against the Hunters, with Broncos caretaker coach Jason Demetriou lauding Lodge’s commitment in defence.

Brisbane’s lifeline for Lodge has sparked widespread condemnation and he will be the villain of the 2018 NRL season following his New York rampage three years ago.

White backed Lodge to complete a successful NRL rehabilitation, with the prop’s flawless pre-season at Red Hill evidence he has found stability on and off the field.

“Matt has done his time,” White said.

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Matt Lodge will be the villain of the 2018 NRL season.

“He has been out of the game for three years — it was two years before the NRL registered his contract as a fit-and-proper person.

“He has come to our club for the right reasons, he has done enormous work off the field.

“A lot of people don’t know Matt Lodge like we know Matt and I know Matt.

“He has paid an enormous price, he realised he made a terrible mistake.

“There will still be debate (about whether Lodge deserves another chance in the NRL) but he continues to do enormous work in the community.’’

The form of Lodge was one of several highlights to emerge from the Hunters clash. Five-eighth Anthony Milford’s reconstructed shoulder came through unscathed in a 35-minute hit-out and backline rookies Jamayne Isaako and Jonus Pearson were strong.

Anthony Milford came through Brisbane’s trial unscathed.

While Brisbane’s front-row will miss the experience of New Zealand Warriors recruit Adam Blair, Demetriou said the likes of Lodge, Tevita Pangai Jr and Korbin Sims provide hunger and energy.

“All our front-rowers were very good, particularly in defence,” he said.

“Lodgey’s second half was outstanding and Korbin was very good for us.

“At the start of the premiership, the game is not as expansive, it’s a lot tougher through the middle-third and with guys like Lodge, Tevita and Joe Ofahengaue playing as well as they are, we have that extra grunt in the middle.

“Jamayne Isaako turned in a good performance at fullback and he showed us he is capable of playing well at NRL level.

“The three days in PNG were fantastic for our squad, we did some quality work on and off the field and it’s a great lead-in to the season.”