The Rumours Thread

[Inisai Toga]

Feel like this has been playing out in the background since early December….

 

[Jubilee]

Let's see what Lodge brings to the table.

 

[Jubilee]

A few years ago. But will be 30 in May. He isn't blocking anyone.

Lodge big hit on Finucane

Matt Lodge comes out of the line to deliver a bell ringer on Dale Finucane

www.nrl.com

 

[AyiosYiorgos]

Train and trial apparently.

Leaves us with options if true...

Also leaves Lodge with options as well, someone else can sign him, if they offer a contract

 

[sammymills]

@Old Timer thoughts on lodge signing?

 

[AyiosYiorgos]

@Old Timer thoughts on lodge signing?

Fell into our lap

 

[Crush]

Fell into our lap

Paid overs

 

[possm]

Faster play the balls

better service from dummy half

second phase ball

A better kicking game

A reduction in errors

With Cook and Liddlke fit and fresh, our ruck should be quick and dangerous in attack.

 

[Old Timer]

@Old Timer thoughts on lodge signing?

Very mixed to say the least.

From a playing perspective

I understand the logic as it is borne out of necessity.

I have fears for his ability to play a majority of games.

I have no fear for the ability he brings to the table he can play and do a job for us.

I think T & T is a good outcome for the coach and the group how that type of deals affects Lodge is yet to be seen.

From a morals point of view I have not followed all the outcomes and ramifications after his brain snap in the USA

If he has shown contrition and paid his dues in full then he is entitled to make a return to society and his chosen profession as was the case with Russell Packer.

If not then how he holds a contract in the NRL is beyond me

I do have concerns as to why he has been such a journeymen since being allowed back into the fold.

Having employed long term criminals as part of their return to work programme there are those that learn from their mistakes and go on to having successful lives but obviously carry some scars as do the victims.

Then there are others who learn nothing and continue offending so far Lodge to his credit had kept a clean slate.

As I say if he is truly aware and remorseful of his horror actions and paid his dues he deserves a chance and if if it is with us so be it.

Our moral compass has has a weak magnet as does the NRL in general and I wish it was very different but there is an Ezra Mann type who will be shown far too much leniency at almost every club.

 

[Comfy]

whyyyyyyy

 

[Dragonslayer]

I believe T &T contracts exclude him playing until rd 11, unless we get NRL approval.

Smart, very smart, as he would need time to get nrl fit and get up to speed, so to speak and prove himself a contributer to our new culture and philosophy.

Still leaves spot 30 open, which, imo, is giving us plenty of options if they come available.

 

[Jubilee]

Very mixed to say the least.

From a playing perspective

I understand the logic as it is borne out of necessity.

I have fears for his ability to play a majority of games.

I have no fear for the ability he brings to the table he can play and do a job for us.

I think T & T is a good outcome for the coach and the group how that type of deals affects Lodge is yet to be seen.

From a morals point of view I have not followed all the outcomes and ramifications after his brain snap in the USA

If he has shown contrition and paid his dues in full then he is entitled to make a return to society and his chosen profession as was the case with Russell Packer.

If not then how he holds a contract in the NRL is beyond me

I do have concerns as to why he has been such a journeymen since being allowed back into the fold.

Having employed long term criminals as part of their return to work programme there are those that learn from their mistakes and go on to having successful lives but obviously carry some scars as do the victims.

Then there are others who learn nothing and continue offending so far Lodge to his credit had kept a clean slate.

As I say if he is truly aware and remorseful of his horror actions and paid his dues he deserves a chance and if if it is with us so be it.

Our moral compass has has a weak magnet as does the NRL in general and I wish it was very different but there is an Ezra Mann type who will be shown far too much leniency at almost every club.

I don't know if you watched his interview on the The Bye Round. He maintains that the episode was the result of an overdose of sleeping pills (or something) and all he remembers of it is waking up handcuffed to a bed in a psych ward.

 

[possm]

Finally, we now have a top 4 contender for 2025:

1. Gutherson
2. Lawson
3. Holmes
4. Suli
5. Sloan
6. Flannagean
7. Ilkias
8. Molo
9. ook
10. Lodge
11. Leilua
12. Su'A
13. De Belin

14. Liddle
15. Couchman
16. Fifita
17. Sele

18. Tonga

 

[getsmarty]

Dragons hand Matt Lodge an NRL lifeline at his sixth NRL club

Shane Flanagan has turned to the veteran prop after hunting for front-row reinforcements all season.

www.smh.com.au

 

[TheRev]

Lodge won't stay on T&T, he turned down 150k to stay put a 5min drive from home @ Manly... now he has a 90min commute (on a good day).

Flanno just has a bit of roster massaging to do to move 1-2 players on.. but atleast Lodge can train with us now, and interesting to see what Flanno has in mind for Spot #30.. obviously still has irons in the fire.. but if nothing shakes out, he just gives the spot to Lodge or Lawson.

 

[hewi]

Must be the kiss of death for Lawrie we just need someone else to take him off our hands.

 

[possm]

Lodge won't stay on T&T, he turned down 150k to stay put a 5min drive from home @ Manly... now he has a 90min commute (on a good day).

Flanno just has a bit of roster massaging to do to move 1-2 players on.. but atleast Lodge can train with us now, and interesting to see what Flanno has in mind for Spot #30.. obviously still has irons in the fire.. but if nothing shakes out, he just gives the spot to Lodge or Lawson.

Moving Rava or Lawrie on costs the club money unless these players can find a new contract If Lodge works out, maybe we can move one of these players can be moved on and both Lodge and Lawson promoted to the top 30 Have both Lodge and Lawason in the 157 will make our team vert competitive each game.

 

[Crush]

Finally, we now have a top 4 contender for 2025:

1. Gutherson
2. Lawson
3. Holmes
4. Suli
5. Sloan
6. Flannagean
7. Ilkias
8. Molo
9. ook
10. Lodge
11. Leilua
12. Su'A
13. De Belin

14. Liddle
15. Couchman
16. Fifita
17. Sele

18. Tonga

Top 4? Turn it up Possm

 

[since77]

If signing Matt Lodge means Blake Lawrie is nowhere near the top 17 then I'm good with it.

 

[mattw5]

People need to chill on Lawson it doesn’t happen overnight you are certainly not giving a top 30 spot to someone unproven.