Leeds Rhinos sign Australian forward on immediate deal: Matt Lodge vows to 'rip in' after move from NRL
Australian forward Matt Lodge has vowed to “get out there and go hard” after signing a deal to join Leeds Rhinos with immediate effect.
Lodge, 31, has made 148 appearances in the southern hemisphere NRL including 15 this season for North Queensland Cowboys, most recently against Sydney Roosters two weeks ago. He has signed for Leeds, the Betfred Super League leaders, until the end of this season and is set to arrive once his visa has been approved.
The front-rower adds size and experience to a Leeds pack who are set to be without injured Samoa international ‘middle’ Keenan Palasia until the final round of the regular season, in a month’s time. Lodge made his NRL debut for Wests Tigers 12 years ago and has also had spells with Brisbane Broncos, New Zealand Warriors, the Roosters and Manly Sea Eagles .
He said: “I’m really excited about coming over. I have been watching the team play, they are doing a great job and I am very grateful for the opportunity. I can’t wait to rip in and do whatever the team needs from me.
“I’ve known of the Leeds Rhinos all my life and can remember watching some of their champion teams as a kid. It’s a proud club and I’m pumped I get to experience what it’s all about.
“I can’t wait to get out there and go hard. When Brad [Arthur, Rhinos’ coach] offered me the opportunity, I jumped at the chance.”
Arthur, whose side play host to Leigh Leopards this evening (Thursday), said: “Matt is a strong ball carrier and a physical defender and he knows what it takes to play in big games. We’ve got a good group here and he will add to the competition for places.
“The boys have worked hard to put themselves in the position we’re in and now it’s about continuing to improve and making the most of the opportunity we have created for ourselves.”
Rhinos sporting director Ian Blease added: “We are really pleased to have been able to bring Matt into the group for the remainder of the season. We have a very competitive squad, but as we head into the most important part of the campaign we wanted to add some experience and further depth to our forward pack.
“Matt is a big, physical player who has played at the highest level and understands what is required when the pressure is on. He will give Brad another option in the middle and we believe he can make a real impact over the coming weeks.”