Front rower Matt Lodge has been granted a release, effective immediately from the Warriors.
In a blow to the club, Lodge has been given the green light to go despite being under contract until the end of the season, with a player option in his favour for the following year.
The club confirmed the news on Friday morning, with Lodge revealing that his family could not commit to living in New Zealand long-term. A new destination for the former Wests Tigers and Broncos star is yet to be announced, so mystery surrounds the front-rower’s next move.
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“We decided that the best thing for the club was for us to mutually part ways so they have some clarity,” Lodge said.
“I respect the club and especially the boys a lot and hopefully I showed that by the way I trained and played physical and gave my all every game.”
The decision was brewing for a while according to Warriors CEO Cameron George, with the club now looking to develop younger players.
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“Matt told us a while ago that for professional and personal reasons he couldn’t commit to a long-term future in New Zealand when we return home for next season,” George said.
“We’re grateful to Matt for the contribution he has made since joining us last year and wish him and his family all the best for the future.”
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