Wayne Bennett in talks with Matt Lodge about potentially joining Brisbane Broncos

BRONCOS coach Wayne Bennett has held secret talks with Matt Lodge as the controversial forward eyes a shock return to the NRL.

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BRONCOS coach Wayne Bennett has held secret talks with Matt Lodge as the controversial forward eyes a shock return to the NRL.

On the eve of Friday’s Broncos-Penrith blockbuster at Suncorp Stadium, Bennett has confirmed his interest in Lodge if the NRL formally rubberstamps his return to rugby league.

The Broncos are in the market for a front-rower following Jarrod Wallace’s departure to the Titans and Lodge is likened in playing style to Brisbane legend Shane Webcke.

Lodge caused a furore last October when he was arrested at gunpoint by New York police.

CCTV footage released earlier this month (pictured above) showed the moment Lodge attacked an innocent father who had tried to help two women escape from the footballer who had been threatening them.

He faced 25 years in a US jail after being charged with criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, and assault and menace while on holiday.

He spent time in Rikers Island prison before his release on bail to travel back to Australia.

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Matt Lodge was arrested in New York. Picture: Alex Towle

The former Storm and Tigers forward was allowed to return to Australia last Christmas Eve after his Sydney barrister worked in conjunction with the US Attorney’s office.

The Courier-Mail can reveal Bennett met with Lodge at Brisbane’s team hotel before the Broncos’ 30-10 defeat of Souths last Saturday night.

It is understood Bennett’s interest in Lodge goes beyond football, with the super coach offering life advice on the perils of alcohol abuse. But the Broncos coach said if the NRL allowed Lodge to play again, he would join clubs in the race to sign the 21-year-old.

Two years ago, Bennett attempted to sign Russell Packer, who served a jail sentence for assault, but the front-rower ultimately opted for the Dragons.

“I’ve met with Matt, yes, but that’s as far as it’s gone at the moment,” Bennett said.

“He has a few hurdles to overcome. He has to satisfy the NRL of his rehabilitation.”

Matthew Lodge in action for the Wests Tigers in 2015.

Asked if he is interested in signing Lodge, Bennett said: “If he comes back on the market, we’d be interested like any other club.

“Until Matt does all the things he is supposed to do and the game allows him to come back, then there’s not much we can do. It’s about him being cleared by the NRL to be available.

“I was interested in Russell Packer in two years ago.”

Lodge declined to comment today when contacted by The Courier-Mail. The Australian Schoolboys star has been playing rugby league in NSW with the St Patrick’s club and has told teammates his manager was in talks with several NRL outfits.

Lodge was allowed to return to Australia last year after performing community service in a US soup kitchen.

Three alleged victims have since filed a civil lawsuit in the US seeking $3 million in damages from Lodge following his New York rampage.

An NRL spokesman said Lodge would need to prove that he was fit and proper to be registered to play top-level league again.

“The NRL will require a player to undergo rehabilitation and training programs to demonstrate they have resolved their issues before a contract would be registered,” he said.