Walters' Broncos backflip as Lodge, Pangai look set to stay

Matt Lodge will see out the NRL season at the Brisbane Broncos and Tevita Pangai is likely to follow suit after coach Kevin Walters revealed the second-rower’s management has been told he won’t be leaving.

The fallout from Brisbane’s horror first half of the season continued on Monday, with Lodge back at training after publicly questioning the club last week.

The prop forward had been linked to a mid-season move to the Warriors through uncertainty over his future, while Pangai was expected to link with Wests Tigers in coming weeks.

But amid reports of a player revolt and two key football staff members being shown the door, Walters said stability with the playing group had been made a priority.

“We’ve had that conversation. I have told Matt and his manager he is not going anywhere,” Walters said.

“He will be staying here. We just need to get some security and safety around the players on their future. That is the decision we have made.

“The uncertainty was probably one of the factors (for discontent) among the playing group on who is staying and who is going.

“So we have put it in a basket to the side. No one is going anywhere so we are going to finish the season on a good and positive note.”

Asked what that meant for Pangai’s future, Walters said: “We have had those discussions with Tevita, that is ongoing.

“We want security and stability around the playing group.

“And for that to happen all that talk about who is coming and going is pushed to the side. It’s not my responsibility.”

Tevita Pangai Jr (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

It comes with the Broncos again set to make mass team changes.

Brodie Croft is likely to return at No.7 against Cronulla on Sunday with Karmichael Hunt unsighted at training, making for their eighth change in the halves this year.

Kotoni Staggs is back from injury and suspension to play his first game of the year at left centre, with Corey Oates also poised to be recalled on the wing.

Ben Ikin also had his first day on the job as head of football on Monday, after Peter Nolan and head of performance Andrew Croll were sacked.

“They are tough decisions to make, particularly when those guys are involved,” Walters said.

“They are very passionate staff members and Broncos people. It was a tough few days and it will be for the next period.

It’s been a little bit difficult at times this year with lots of different scenarios going on.

“But now we have a settled support staff.

“Ben Ikin will be a huge help for me, certainly (new CEO) Dave Donaghy coming in for the last month, I have already felt the load he has taken off.”