NRL 2020: Matt Lodge injury, Broncos star suffers suspected ACL injury

As Brisbane come to terms with losing their “Alpha male” ahead of the start of the NRL season, there is hope that the injury may not be as serious as first feared.

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Brisbane will take a gamble by opting against surgery for Matt Lodge despite their key front-row enforcer injuring his anterior-cruciate ligament in a freak training mishap.

Lodge vowed to leave no stone unturned to keep his 2020 campaign intact after injuring his knee at training on Tuesday, sparking fears of a full-blown ACL rupture and season-ending reconstruction.

But the Broncos are refusing to give up hope of Lodge returning this season, with scans showing the NSW Origin hopeful suffered only a partial tear of his ACL.

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It is a cruel blow for Lodge so close to the season. (AAP Image/Darren England

Broncos medical staff believe there is a possibility Lodge’s injury can be rehabilitated without surgery in a move that will sideline the hulking prop for two to three months.

The one certainty is that Lodge will miss Brisbane’s season-opening derby blockbuster against the Cowboys on March 13 and is likely to be sidelined for the opening eight to 10 rounds.

It is a headache for Broncos coach Anthony Seibold, who regards the 117kg Lodge as the engine-room spearhead that brings bulk and an aggressive edge to Brisbane’s forward pack.

Lodge was initially resigned to a season-ending reconstruction but the positive outcome from the scan has steeled his resolve to be back in Broncos colours this season.

“I am lucky,” he said. “I will get straight into my rehab immediately and will do everything I can to get back on the field as soon as possible.

“I have had experience with this type of injury in the past with a positive outcome. Nothing is certain with knee injuries, but I am confident I can get back on the field in 2020.”

The ill-fated moment was innocuous. Lodge was making a routine hit-up at training and suddenly felt a twinge. There was no major collision with a teammate. At the end of the session, he reported knee soreness.

Former Queensland Origin lock Billy Moore believes the Broncos are capable of making the top four this season but says the loss of Lodge will put pressure on rookie front-row cohort Payne Haas.

Unfortunately a partial ACL tear doesn’t rule out reconstruction surgery. If damage is minimal/knee is functionally stable, physio + rehab can result in a 2-3 month return. But if knee cannot regain stability, surgery often still undertaken. Lodge will review with surgeon

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) February 19, 2020

“This is a massive blow for the Broncos,” Moore said. “They can replace Lodge is some ways but not in others.

“He is their intimidator, he is the Alpha male in the Broncos pack.

“Payne Haas is a wonderful young talent but without Lodge, more responsibility falls onto Payne’s shoulders. He will virtually be doing the work of two props.

“It’s very cruel for Matt, I feel for him. I’ve seen ACL injuries cripple players but hopefully Matt can fight his way back and play this season.”

Payne Haas just became even more important to Brisbane. Photo: AAP Image/Darren England

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Leading Brisbane physiotherapist Brien Seeney, the man behind the respected NRL Physio social-media account, said Lodge may yet be able to save his NRL season.

“A partial tear of the ACL is much less common with NRL players (than a full tear),” he said.

“If the knee still appears to be stable, with one of the most important functions of the ACL being to provide knee stability, then a period of physio and rehab can be performed in an attempt to return to play without undergoing surgery.

“If this is successful players can usually return to the field within two to three months.

“However, if the knee shows signs of instability, either before or after this period of rehab, reconstruction surgery is usually still required to minimise the risk of further damage to the knee.”