Arrested and sacked, Matthew Lodge could lose $5m NRL career

SACKED NRL player Matthew Lodge has spoken for the first time since being arrested in New York on Friday night. He was released from jail after his father rushed to the US and posted $69k bail.

SACKED rugby league player Matthew Lodge has been joined by his father in New York after posting a $US50,000 ($A68,910) bond, comprising $US20,000 ($A27,565) cash, this morning.

Lodge arrived back at his hotel after spending several days in jail following his arrest on Friday.

He faces a potential 25 years in jail and the prospect he’s thrown away a $5 million career after his arrest in New York at the weekend.

Matthew Lodge arrives at his hotel with his dad.

Lodge, who was holidaying in the United States, allegedly told two women “this is the night you die” before assaulting a man who came to their aid and trashing an apartment.

Speaking briefly at his hotel, Lodge described the recent events as “scary” adding, “we’ll sort it out in time”.

He was originally charged with criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, criminal trespass, assault and menacing.

But those charges have since been re-set by the New York District Attorney. He is now facing felony counts of burglary in the first degree and burglary in the second degree.

A secret grand jury, where prosecutors present evidence in secret to jurors, is set to convene to determine what charges Lodge will face.

Matthew Lodge faces 25 years in jail over the assault claims.

Lodge will face a Manhattan court on Thursday AEST after being released from the infamous Rikers Island prison on bail.

NEW YORK ARREST: Lodge found cowering in closet

JAIL TIME: Lodge faces four years in NYC prison

A friend of Lodge, who is staying at the swank Upper West Side hotel with the disgraced football player, said the past few days had been “really scary”.

He said Lodge had been separated from the group while out partying in Manhattan.

He said he believed the NRL player could not remember what had happened and the friends did not know who the women were that Lodge allegedly stalked down West End Avenue.

The friend said they were “really relieved” Lodge’s father has arrived.

Lodge’s mother described her son yesterday as a good person.

“I have no idea what’s happened, but I’m concerned for his welfare and my husband will get there at one o’clock tonight,” Lodge’s mother told Channel Nine yesterday.

“Matthew has a lot of problems.

“But he’s a good person. He is a good person, deep down.

“I don’t know what’s happened over there; something’s happened and I’m not sure of the details. I’m sorry I can’t tell you any more.”

On Monday, The Daily Telegraph contacted coaches, players and officials who described the now former Wests Tigers prop as a troubled soul.

Matthew Lodge was sacked by the Tigers after he was arrested in New York.

Those interviewed didn’t want to be named, fearing personal, public criticism against Lodge would only add to his already fragile mental state.

A former NSW under-20s prop, Lodge’s promising NRL career is now in tatters. He had held discussions with Penrith but the Panthers understandably baulked.

As an elite front-rower, Lodge, 20, could have demanded up to $400,000 a season for the next 12 years. His NRL future is now looking doomed.

Lodge joined Wests Tigers on a back-ended, three-year deal worth about $175,000 a season. That too is gone. His parents, both in the police force, are shattered.

One official who knows Lodge paints a disturbing picture.

“He actually signed with Wests Tigers to play with two of his mates, Mitch Moses and Luke Brooks. He had a bigger offer from Penrith.

“Matt was pretty much paid on potential. He really is a talented player but he’s so loose. He would come to training late and miss important meetings. He just wouldn’t show up. It didn’t seem to bother him.

Matthew Lodge joined the Tigers to play with friends, Mitch Moses and Luke Brooks.

“He is only 20-years-old. They said he would be a superstar and represent Australia. Good front-rowers don’t mature until 26 or 27. He could have been earning $400,000 a year for the next twelve years. It’s a real shame.

“So much ability but he just can’t harness his off-field behaviour. I reckon he could be lost to the game. I worry about him, he’s not that mentally strong.”

“He is right on the edge but that’s the type of prop you want,” said one of his coaches. “But he has some heavy issues. I just hope he can work through them.”

A former teammate said: “I worry what I am going to read each time I see his name in the paper.”

The NRL supported Wests Tigers’ decision to sack the former Junior Kangaroo.

“The integrity unit has contacted the club and requested more information about what has occurred. We expect the club to keep us informed through the process in the wake of the alleged conduct by the player,” said an NRL spokesman.

Matthew Lodge was sacked by the Tigers after he was arrested in New York.

Wests Tigers terminated his deal, which ended after next season, effective immediately. In a club statement, CEO Justin Pascoe said: “This type of behaviour does not fit with the culture we are building at the club, nor is it to the behavioural standards that we accept. Whilst our playing contract obligation to Matthew will be terminated, the club will continue to offer welfare and counselling options to Matthew to ensure he has the support he needs.”

Lodge was stood down temporarily by Wests Tigers in August over multiple domestic violence incidents however he was not actually sacked by the club. He was also fined by Wests Tigers over a Kings Cross incident in January and then, in July, Lodge was banned from attending Penrith junior rugby league games for the rest of 2015 after further drama when a coaching a team.

Lodge was also sanctioned and suspended by the NRL for writing the word ‘c ... t’ on his wrist strapping before a NSW under 20s State of Origin game. Former Tigers champion winger Larry Corowa took to social media calling for Lodge to be kicked out of rugby league.

“Life ban from the NRL — that’s what I’d do,” Corowa said. “What possesses these idiots is beyond me.”