Manly look set to give prop Matt Lodge an NRL lifeline despite suffering a season ending ACL injury in the loss to the Roosters.
Lodge was signed to a train and trial deal worth $1000 a week for the remainder of 2023 after being let go by the Roosters mid-season.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported Manly are considering signing the 28-year-old to an upgraded contract in 2024, despite the fact he will miss a chunk of the year while he recovers from a knee injury.
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Manly Chief Executive Tony Mestrov hinted Lodge will still be offered a contract with the Sea Eagles for next season, after making an immediate impact on the playing squad and in particular the young forwards on the roster.
“Matt has fitted in extremely well since joining the club and he’s been great for our younger players,” Mestrov told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“He’s shown enough in the few games he’s played with us and this injury won’t sway our thinking when looking at our roster for next year.”
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Lodge’s injury came at a crucial time for the player and the club, with Josh Aloiai (shoulder), Sean Keppie (back) and Taniela Paseka (knee) on the sidelines.
The injury blow against his old club will mean a nine month recovery period, which means he will miss the satrt of the 2024 season.
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Lodge has scored six tries in 112 games for the Tigers, Broncos, Warriors, Roosters and Manly since his debut in 2014.
Manly sit in 10th place on the ladder, but are just one win off sixth place on the ladder and their finals hopes will go on the line in the next month.
The Sea Eagles face top four sides the Panthers and the Warriors in the next fortnight before clashes with the Bulldogs and Tigers to round out the regular season.
