Brisbane’s double backflip sees Matt Lodge link up with Warriors

Just days after claiming he would not be granted a release, the Broncos have performed another U-turn on the playing future of Matt Lodge.

Lodge has played his last game for the Broncos. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Broncos prop Matt Lodge has been granted a release to join the New Zealand Warriors immediately.

The Warriors confirmed on Thursday they had acquired Lodge’s services until at least the end of 2022.

The 26-year-old’s exit comes just three days after Broncos coach Kevin Walters told reporters that Lodge and maligned compatriot Tevita Pangai Jr. would not be granted mid-season releases.

The pair had fallen out of favour at Red Hill this season and both had previously been told by the club they could explore their options elsewhere.

Lodge’s rich contract with the Broncos reportedly included clauses allowing him to extend his deal through to the end of the 2024 season.

News Corp understands the Broncos will pay up to $1 million of Lodge’s salary over the coming years.

It remains to be seen whether Pangai will follow him out the door.

We wish Matt and his family all the best in the future.

— Brisbane Broncos (@brisbanebroncos) July 1, 2021

“I’ve always tried my best for the club and for the jersey,” Lodge said of his time at the Broncos.

“I’d like to thank everyone at the club including the fans and sponsors who have helped me along my journey in recent years.”

Walters took over as Broncos coach this season. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

The switch continues the Warriors’ mid-season spending spree, with both Chad Townsend and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak also joining the side’s ranks within the past fortnight.

“Matt will add more experience and real size to further boost our front row resources,” said Warriors coach Nathan Brown.

“We like what he has to offer us as a big body in the middle of the park with his ability to play big minutes and his impressive great work rate. He’ll be a great addition to our squad.”

Warriors CEO Cameron George Added that Lodge “has real experience and gives us exactly what the coaching staff want in the middle.”

“We’ve been active in the market working as hard as we can to strengthen our squad in the short-term while also looking beyond to ensure we’re positioned to build our club to where we want it to be.”

The Broncos announced a major signing coup of their own on Thursday.

Panthers and Maroons utility Kurt Capewell agreed to a three-year deal with the club that will commence next season.

New Broncos head of football Ben Ikin had previously said he hoped Capewell could be his first new signing on arrival at the club.

“As a Queenslander and a guy who lives the standards you want, get him home. He would be a magnificent pick-up,” Ikin said during his final episode as co-host of NRL 360.