North Queensland Cowboys forward Matt Lodge is set to return to the NRL in 2027 and play for an eighth club.
It was revealed earlier this week that Lodge is departing the North Queensland Cowboys effective immediately, and heading to the English Super League for the remainder of the 2026 season with the Leeds Rhinos.
But it has now been revealed his contract in Leeds will only run for the remainder of this year, before he is returning to the NRL, with clubs interested in his signature.
“It is his intention to come back and finish his career in the NRL,” Lodge's manager Sam Ayoub said per news.com.au.
“We have strong interest from a number of clubs and are currently in negotiations with two.”
The revalation will mean Lodge is uprooting his life for only a matter of months, with the club-hopping forward to bring plennty of experience to his new club next year.
Now 31 years of age, Lodge had been wanting to remain at the Cowboys, although rumours of the club fighting for his signature were said to be off the mark by coach Todd Payten a few weeks ago.
Instead, the Cowboys were set to re-sign Kaiden Lahrs as their first priority before reassessing their salary cap and working on what Lodge's situation would be.
It's now become clear they won't be able to do that, despite re-signing Lahrs for 2027 earlier this week.
Lodge making the move to England will see him play regular top grade footy for Leeds as the end of the season approaches, and could help him push his case for a deal back in the NRL next year.
The former junior NSW Origin player will be heading to the seventh club of his career at Leeds, having played 148 NRL games for the Wests Tigers (2014-15), Brisbane Broncos (2018-21), New Zealand Warriors (2021-22), Sydney Roosters (2022-23), Manly Sea Eagles (2023-25) and North Queensland Cowboys (2026).
His time in Townsville has seen him become an important part of the middle third rotation, and while it's understood Payten and his recruitment staff were keen to retain Lodge, they were not willing to spend through the nose to do so when other offers were on the table.
