Matt Lodge proud of NRL return

For many, Brisbane prop Matt Lodge should be a distant memory in the NRL – another case of what might have been.

Lodge, 22, returned to the NRL this season after a drunken rampage in New York City threatened to completely end his rugby league dreams.

While the comeback itself was one Lodge and new-team Brisbane Broncos would like to forget, having gone down 34-12 to a strong St George Illawarra Dragons outfit, Lodge announced on social media outlet, Instagram, his happiness to be back in the NRL.

“After everything I’ve done in my life this is the first time I have genuinely been proud of myself,” said Lodge.

During the match Lodge was booed throughout by the Dragons fans. The pressure seemed to tell for the prop forward, as he threw a loose pass which was intercepted by former Bronco Ben Hunt for a try.

Lodge referred to the battles he faced and also emphasised the duration he has been out of the game, saying “No one knows the battles I faced and how hard I had to work to get back to this point. Didn’t get the result on the field Thursday but after three YEARS out of the game I sometimes genuinely thought this day would never come I’m glad I remained committed to my goal and pushed through because it was worth it.”

Lodge also wanted to thank those who supported him “I truly want to thank those who stuck by me and those who reached out to me when I was riding my low point I’ll never forget it”.

While the hard-hitting prop may feel as though his battles are over, he’ll face arguably his toughest challenge yet when his side take on the North Queensland Cowboys on Friday night at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

Lodge will have his work cut out for him, coming up against 2016 Dally M Medal winner Jason Taumalolo. Taumalolo is the first forward in NRL history to make over 5000 metres in a single season and will provide tough opposition for Lodge.