Matt Lodge will be back playing for Manly in 2025, balancing his NRL commitments with a construction job and boxing career.
Matt Lodge is set to return to Manly in 2025 after initially declining the club's contract extension offer. The 29-year-old forward will balance his Sea Eagles commitments with a construction job and his burgeoning boxing career, signing a second-tier NRL deal that allows him to pursue both passions. Lodge's return to Manly follows a period of uncertainty in the market, where he was seeking a lucrative two-year deal after rejecting a similar offer from the Sea Eagles last year.
He reportedly held discussions with South Sydney and the Dragons during the off-season. Lodge's new contract with Manly will see him start in reserve grade, with the opportunity to earn a spot in the top 30 squad, similar to his previous stint with the club. His second professional boxing match is scheduled for March 2, a week before Manly's NRL and NSW Cup seasons commence. While eager to make a successful comeback to the NRL, Lodge acknowledges the importance of financial stability and plans to continue his construction work three days a week.Meanwhile, Clint Gutherson impressed in his first pre-season appearance for the Dragons, showcasing his leadership and communication skills alongside the club's new spine, featuring Damien Cook, Lachie Ilias, and Kyle Flanagan. This practice game against Manly marked the third consecutive year the two clubs have clashed in a pre-season scrimmage at a high intensity. Coach Shane Flanagan expressed satisfaction with Gutherson's performance, highlighting his ability to organize the defensive line and motivate his teammates. Flanagan also acknowledged the progress of Cook, Ilias, and Flanagan, noting that Ilias's return from a lengthy injury break has been gradual. The new spine will have a chance to further develop their chemistry in the upcoming official trials against the Sydney Roosters and the Rabbitohs
NRL Matt Lodge Manly Sea Eagles Clint Gutherson St George Illawarra Dragons Boxing Construction
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