Brisbane front-rower Matt Lodge has knocked back a big-money offer from the NZ Warriors to re-sign with the Broncos for a further three NRL seasons.
The Warriors tabled a big offer for the 24-year-old, who has rebuilt his career, after joining the Broncos before the 2018 season.
Lodge's arrival at Red Hill was controversial, after two years out of the game for a common-assault conviction in the United States for a 2015 New York incident.
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He said the faith shown in him by the Broncos had outweighed the financial offer from the Warriors and he was delighted to stay in Brisbane until the end of the 2022 campaign.
The Warriors are scheduled to face the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.
"It's been quite a long journey over the last few years, but I've got my dream contract with my dream club," said Lodge.
"There was some interest from other places and the money was good, but at the end of the day, I had to step back from that and I'm happy here.
"When I was out of the game, I guess I looked forward to the first contract that would be put on the table and eventually I just drew a line. I'm happy with where I am and with what the club has given me - I recommitted here and I love this place."
Lodge's impressive 2018 form earned him the Broncos forward-of-the-year prize and he was in the frame for a NSW State of Origin call-up, before coach Brad Fittler opted for Newcastle's Daniel Saifiti for game two in Perth last month.
Broncos coach Anthony Seibold has spoken about Lodge's potential as a future captain, as he emerges as a leader of the young Brisbane pack.
"We've got a young group and Seibs made the decision to elevate me up to that leadership group," Lodge said. "It's something I enjoy doing, because I get on so well with them.
"That came into my decision to stay, as well. I'm really looking forward to building something with them here and working really hard, both on and off the field, to get the results we all dream of."
Lodge joins representative props Joe Ofahengaue and Payne Haas, as well as Junior Kangaroos front-rower Patrick Carrigan, as young members of Brisbane's forward pack to commit to long-term deals at the club.
AAP
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