Side note I am VERY excited with what JAC adds to our backline. I just am so flaccid over Brailey at 9 if that's who we go with. I really wish for a more reliable 9...
Brailey to Parra which will free up cap space for Matt Lodge to go to Newcastle whose father in law is Peter O'Sullivan the new recruitment officer.
Matt Lodge has confirmed he has quit Manly but the former Broncos enforcer insists his NRL career is not over.
The controversial prop is adamant he will not be forced into early retirement and will definitely be playing in the NRL next season.
Lodge was hoping to stay at the Sea Eagles next season, but the parties were unable to agree terms after Manly tabled a two-year deal worth around $150,000 a season.
Lodge has played for five NRL clubs since his debut for Wests Tigers in 2014 and is poised to ink a deal with his sixth team.
Lodge refused to disclose the identity of the club – he has been linked with the Dragons – but insists he will not be moving to the English Super League.
“I will definitely be playing in the NRL next year,” he said.
“It’s good to know I will have my future sorted.
“I had a tough start to the year but when I got healthy, I finished the year well with Manly.
“If I didn’t know I had plenty left in the tank, I wouldn’t be playing on, but I’m excited about the years ahead and I will be ready to go next year.”
The 29-year-old prop accepts the Sea Eagles have salary-cap pressures and has no issue with Manly coach Anthony Seibold.
“They offered me a two-year deal,” he said.
“They wanted me to play that starting role with Taniela (Paseka), but it takes a toll on your body doing that.
“It was a lot to ask to do two years as a starting front-rower for minimum wage.
“I really thought about it, I wanted to meet them in the middle somewhere, but they had no salary cap space.
“I am fine with ‘Seibs’ and everyone at Manly, but I can’t play for that amount when that sort of money is given to a kid just coming out of a school who hasn’t played a game of NRL.
“I loved the club and the squad of players, but I have four boys and bills to pay, so I had to look after my future.”