NRL 2023: Matt Lodge faces uncertain future after ACL injury blow

Big things were expected of Matt Lodge when he lined up against his former side, but now Manly’s mid-season recruit is set for a lengthy sideline stint with his rugby league future unresolved.

Sea Eagles forward Matt Lodge faces an uncertain future after the club confirmed he suffered an ACL injury in Thursday’s 26-16 loss to the Roosters.

Sea Eagles forward Matt Lodge faces an uncertain future after the club confirmed he suffered an ACL injury in Thursday night’s 26-16 loss to the Roosters.

It’s a cruel blow for Lodge who only joined Manly from the Roosters last month on a train and trial deal, with the experienced front-rower now set to miss most of the 2024 season with his future still unresolved.

The Sea Eagles went into Thursday’s game without key middles Taniela Paseka, Josh Aloiai and Sean Keppie, with the latter the only one set to be available for next week’s game with Penrith.

Big things were expected of Lodge against his former side, but the heavyweight bout lasted just seven minutes when he collided with Lindsay Collins and limped off when he realised his knee was no good.

“He’s done his ACL so he’s going to be out for an extended period of time,” Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold said.

Sea Eagles forward Matt Lodge faces an uncertain NRL future.

“He’s obviously shattered.

“We’ll pick up the pieces over the next couple of days, but I feel for him and feel for his family.”

It was a costly night for the Sea Eagles who could finish the round three points outside the top eight, with Manly’s attack failing to fire a shot until Roosters forward Nathan Brown was sent off for a high shot on Ben Trbojevic.