Redcliffe’s Matt Lodge a contender for The Courier-Mail medal at QRL awards night

WITH the path clear for his NRL return, Matt Lodge has received another boost in his rugby league resurrection as a contender for the QRL’s top player award.

Matt Lodge at Redcliffe training. Photo: AAP

• Broncos go old school to find inner mongrel
• Where your NRL club can finish
• LIVE: NRL teams round 26

MATT Lodge’s return to rugby league continues to go from strength to strength, with the Redcliffe prop a contender to take out The Courier-Mail medal at Wednesday night’s QRL awards.

Lodge is one of five players who are in contention for the Intrust Super Cup’s best and fairest award, with PNG skipper Ase Boas, Easts halfback Brodie Croft, CQ rake Krys Freeman and Ipswich speedster Michael Purcell also in the race.

Matt Lodge at Redcliffe training. Photo: AAP

While it will doubt going go down to the wire for the referee-voted award, the fact Lodge is a contender is a massive achievement given this year was his first season back in the game following a two-year exile.

Redcliffe coach Adam Mogg, who has played a big part in getting him back to top form, said the news had come as no surprise to him.

Mogg said Lodge had not only been good on the field this year, but had also made progress off the field as he came back from his infamous rampage in New York two years ago.

“He’s a real special person,” Mogg said.

“People have forgotten that he’s 22 years old. He’s been under enormous pressure. He’s the first person to admit he’s done the wrong thing.

“For him to be able to keep his head down, learn from his mistakes, become a real quality person, focus on his job at training and maintain a beautiful relationship with his girlfriend in Sydney, it’s a testament to him.

“Wherever he ends up next year, he’s going to be a leader and future star of this game.”

Redcliffe coach Adam Mogg. Photo: Richard Walker

Being rated among the best players in the Intrust Super Cup will be a major boost for Lodge, who is considering walking away from the sport next year despite the Broncos’ interest in him.

Mogg said he had no control over Lodge’s decision, but believed he could go a long way in the game.

“We haven’t seen the best of Matt Lodge,” Mogg said.

“He’s got lots of improvement in him. He’s a very smart footballer, his detail is excellent, he’s very competitive.

“I hope he goes on to the NRL next year and if he does, I’ve got no doubt he could play State of Origin one day — unfortunately for NSW.”

Alongside Lodge, Boas and Croft will be two of the favourites to take out the medal given the form of minor premiers PNG and third-placed Easts.

However, Freeman is also a great outside chance despite the fact the Capras finished last.

Last year’s medal was won by Josh Chudleigh, who played for 2016 wooden spooners Mackay.