Rugby league: Warriors new recruit Matt Lodge hopes fans can forgive his past

Matt Lodge knows he will be a polarising recruit for some Warriors fans – but hopes he can win them over with his on field contribution.

Lodge completed his first day of training on Monday, after his move from the Broncos was confirmed last week.

The 26-year-old is an experienced NRL prop who offers a point of difference in the pack, but his signing has brought a mixed reaction, given his chequered past, notably the violent home invasion in New York in 2015.

Lodge spent two weeks in jail after that alcohol fuelled rampage, was convicted of reckless assault and was ordered to pay over US$1.5 million in damages by a United States civil court.

Axed by the Wests Tigers, he spent two years away from the NRL before being cleared in 2018 to sign with the Broncos.

The Warriors are comfortable that Lodge – who has been clean off the field since then – is reformed, after gathering character references and doing their own assessments.

But Lodge knows his past will always be a talking point.

"You know, I'm pretty used to that by now," said Lodge. "I don't think there's a club in the comp that I'd sign with, that someone wouldn't be unhappy about it.

"It is what it is – [there are] gonna be those people everywhere. Apologies to them, but I'm not going to stop my career or hold back that because of opinions.

Matt Lodge of the Broncos looks on before the start of the round nine NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Brisbane Bronco. Photo / Getty Images.

"I don't have to worry about that and I think the club and the owners from all reports are just worried about, playing good footy. It's a footy team, so that's it.

"Hopefully my performances can help them overlook that and I do well for the club."

The other unavoidable aspect of Lodge's arrival is his close relationship with Warriors' recruitment manager Peter O'Sullivan, his father-in-law.

Lodge was upfront about their bond, admitting that O'Sullivan almost convinced him to come to Mt Smart in July 2019, as the Warriors tabled a big offer.

"It was a good deal, hard to turn down but guess this time around he gets me a bit under half price on what that deal was, with the Broncos paying a fair bit of my salary I get to come here," said Lodge

"So that takes a bit of pressure off – I just lob in at a reasonable wage and do my job. It feels a lot more comfortable than coming here as family on the big dollars."

O'Sullivan wasn't involved in direct negotiations – as chief executive Cameron George stepped in – but played a pivotal role. Lodge admitted he probably wouldn't have joined the Warriors, if not for his admiration for O'Sullivan's "resume and footy smarts" and his past dealings with coach Nathan Brown, who once tried to sign him to the Newcastle Knights and has previously helped him informally with his game.

The presence of a powerful pack at the Warriors was another key factor, with Lodge confident he can add some value.

Lodge has endured a bizarre year.

He was expecting to leave the Broncos in pre-season, before the club had a change of heart. There were mixed messages throughout the season, then coach Kevin Walters told him he would be staying for 2021. Less than a week later, he was given a release and signed with the Warriors.

"It's been a bit of a weird one," conceded Lodge. "They changed their mind a few times and it's hard to communicate with other clubs until I got a pay out figure and permission. It dragged on a little bit but I've got it done and I'm pretty excited and coming here."

Despite the Warriors' recent slump, which have left their playoff hopes on the edge, Lodge is confident a turnaround is possible.

"They've been in every game and I think they're going in the right direction," said Lodge. "Hopefully I can add something and we can have a good end to the season."