Leeds Rhinos head coach Brad Arthur has insisted that, despite Matthew Lodge signing a deal with the club for the remainder of this season, the potential for a long-term deal will not be dismissed so easily.
Earlier in the week, it was confirmed that Lodge will compete for a spot in the Rhinos lineup for their upcoming match after the North Queensland Cowboys let him walk.
The veteran front-rower will arrive in England over the next 24 hours to have a full week of preparation before the Rhinos travel to play the York Knights.
A boost in the front-row depth is needed for Arthur's side after their loss to the Leigh Leopards.
When asked by the media about Lodge's arrival, Arthur shared the club's plan.
"I think at this stage it's Sunday. We'll give him a full week of training, and we'll see how he goes, but we didn't bring him over not to play,” Arthur revealed.
During contract talks with Lodge, the former Eels coach appreciated Lodge's aspirations to continue playing next season and his goal to secure a long-term deal.
"He was looking for an opportunity. He's playing for his future, and I like his motivation, and I like what he wants to do," Arthur stated.
"We're starting to get some injuries in the forwards, and if we get one more, we're really low. He's going to help us with that.”
Lodge's manager, Sam Ayoub, confirmed that his client is seeking a deal with an NRL club for next season.
“It is his intention to come back and finish his career in the NRL,” Lodge's manager Sam Ayoub told news.com.au during the week.
“We have strong interest from a number of clubs and are currently in negotiations with two.”
When Arthur was asked if Lodge could potentially stay in the Super League with the Rhinos, the coach remained patient about the process, but didn't close any doors.
"It could be. At the moment, he's going to come over, play well, and put himself in the shop window, whether that's for us or someone else," he explained.
Lodge wanted to stay with the Cowboys; however, Todd Payten confirmed a few weeks ago that rumours of the club competing for his signature weren't true.
There was a desire to keep Lodge, but not at the price and length of deal Lodge is seeking.
Leeds will be his seventh club in his playing career, as Lodge has played 148 NRL games.
The Rhinos suffered their fifth loss of the season recently. They remain on top of the Super League ladder, with the Wigan Warriors creeping behind them as both teams sit with the same record.
