Broncos forced on defensive once again for signing Matt Lodge

CLUB boss responds as Matt Lodge’s NRL return comes under fire again following revelations of physical and emotional abuse levelled by his former partner.

BRONCOS chief Paul White has defended the signing of Matt Lodge in wake of the controversial forward’s history of alleged violence becoming public.

Lodge’s return to the NRL has come under fire again following explosive revelations of physical and emotional abuse levelled by his former partner.

The allegations relate to a series of incidents involving Lodge and Sydney schoolteacher Charlene Saliba in August 2015, which led to Lodge being charged with eight counts of domestic violence-related offences.

EXCLUSIVE: My life of fear with Matt Lodge

Charlene Saliba has spoken out about the violent relationship she says she endured with NRL player Matthew Lodge. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

In October that year, Lodge went on a drunken rampage in New York where he terrorised a young family and was briefly held in the infamous Rikers Island jail.

Lodge, now 22, pleaded guilty to one count of common assault after Ms Saliba chose not to attend court. After appealing, Lodge was found guilty without a conviction.

The Broncos were aware of Lodge’s common assault plea when they made moves to bring him back to the NRL more than a year ago.

However, the club was unaware of text messages and court and police documents detailing the alleged abuse, instead relying on the NRL’s investigation and judgment.

White on Sunday contacted NRL CEO Todd Greenberg and Integrity Unit boss Karyn Murphy following the revelations and said Lodge had completed extensive rehabilitation.

“The Brisbane Broncos have always taken the strongest stance against violence against women in any form,” White said.

Matthew Lodge in action for the Broncos.

“The club was aware of the 2015 court proceedings involving Matt and that the issue had been fully investigated by police and by the NRL.

“The club has made contact with the NRL Integrity Unit today to ensure that no new information has come to light in today’s media reports, and is satisfied that all the information has been considered in past investigations.

“When signing Matt, the Broncos were aware that the NRL took this matter into consideration when it mandated a range of work and courses that Matt was ­required to complete over a two-year period before he would be considered for a return to the NRL.

“Matt completed those courses, including courses related to secondary prevention.

“Matt has also publicly stated that he in no way supports violence against women, and continues to work hard to improve himself as a member of society and within the NRL community.”

Matthew Lodge in action for the Broncos.

The NRL would not ­respond to questions about whether the Broncos were fully informed of the allegations levelled at Lodge.

A spokesman said the NRL took into account Lodge’s guilty plea to domestic violence when it rejected his request to return to the game several times.

He was allowed to return to the NRL after undergoing extensive rehabilitation and will face off against his former club Wests Tigers on Friday night.