Former NZ Warriors prop Matt Lodge is expected to sign for the Sydney Roosters, just a month after his controversial mid-season exit from the NRL club.
Lodge is on the verge of joining the Roosters for the remainder of the season for about A$100,000 (NZ$110,000), The Australian reports.
The club hopes Lodge can help revive its premiership campaign, after enduring an indifferent 2022, which has them sitting outside playoffs football in ninth place.
Lodge, 27, sensationally left the Warriors after just eight games, with club chief executive Cameron George confirming an argument between owner Mark Robinson and Lodge played a 'big part' in his sudden departure.
But Lodge denied George's accounts and stated he couldn't commit to the Warriors' relocation to New Zealand, after they spent the last three years in Australia, due to COVID-19 restrictions.
"I couldn't see my family living in New Zealand for a long-term future," said Lodge. "Therefore, we decided that the best thing for the club was for us to mutually part ways, so they have some clarity.
"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."
Two weeks ago, Lodge told The Daily Telegraph he was desperate to play NRL again this year.
"I don't want to play park footy," he said, "I'll keep myself as fit as I can and I'll be ready, if there is an opportunity at any of the clubs."
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