30 Facts About Matthew Lodge

Matthew Lodge was born on 31 May 1995 and is a rugby league footballer who most recently played as a prop for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in the National Rugby League.

Matthew Lodge previously played for the Wests Tigers, Brisbane Broncos, New Zealand Warriors and the Sydney Roosters in the NRL.

Matthew Lodge played his junior rugby league for St Patricks Blacktown before being signed by the Penrith Panthers.

In September 2012, Lodge signed a contract with the Melbourne Storm starting in 2013.

Matthew Lodge played for the Storm's NYC team in 2013 and 2014.

Matthew Lodge was named at prop in the 2013 NYC Team of the Year.

In June 2014, Matthew Lodge joined the Wests Tigers mid-season for the remainder of the season, joining their NYC squad.

In Round 17 of the 2014 NRL season, Matthew Lodge made his NRL debut for the Tigers against his former team, the Penrith Panthers.

Matthew Lodge made four first grade appearances for the year.

On 19 October 2015, Matthew Lodge was sacked by the Tigers after being arrested in New York City.

Matthew Lodge made 22 appearances for Brisbane in the 2019 NRL season as the club finished 8th on the table and qualified for the finals.

On 19 February 2020, Matthew Lodge suffered an ACL injury during pre-season training for Brisbane and was ruled out for an extended period.

Matthew Lodge only featured in six games for Brisbane in the 2020 NRL season as the club finished last on the table.

Matthew Lodge agreed a midseason switch from Brisbane to the Warriors during the 2021 NRL season.

In May 2022, Matthew Lodge was released from his New Zealand contract with immediate effect.

Matthew Lodge was then paid out the remaining $700,000 of his contract in full by the club.

Matthew Lodge was limited to only nine games for Manly in the 2024 NRL season as they finished 7th on the table and qualified for the finals.

On 17 January 2025, Matthew Lodge had signed a train and trial contract with the St George Illawarra Dragons for the 2025 season.

On 7 February 2025, Manly and Matthew Lodge agreed to terms for him to return to the squad as part of the extended team and will play for the Manly NSW Cup team.

Matthew Lodge said he will continue working on a building site while he prepares for his second professional fight in the mean time.

In 2011, Matthew Lodge played for both the New South Wales Under 16s and Under 18s teams.

In 2013 and 2014, Matthew Lodge played for the New South Wales Under 20s team.

Matthew Lodge was representing the NSW under-20s side when he was given a 3-week suspension after he was televised with the word "CUNT" clearly written on his wrist strapping.

On 2 May 2015, Matthew Lodge played for the Junior Kangaroos against Junior Kiwis.

On 16 October 2015, Matthew Lodge was arrested and charged with assault after he threatened two German tourists, chased them into a New York apartment building, and attacked a man who attempted to help.

Matthew Lodge proceeded to break into and smash furniture in the man's apartment, including punching a wall through the bathroom door where a nine-year-old boy was hiding, before being stopped by police.

Matthew Lodge was initially charged with felony burglary causing injury, but it was reduced to a misdemeanor charge of reckless assault as part of a plea deal.

In December 2016, Matthew Lodge avoided jail time, and was ordered to complete 200 hours of community service, quit drinking, and receive alcohol abuse and anger treatment.

Matthew Lodge signed a 1-year contract worth an estimated AU$85,000 with Brisbane Broncos for the 2018 National Rugby League season.

The NRL were scrutinised for supporting Matthew Lodge and allowing the deal to happen while the victims have not been legally compensated.