Broncos coach Kevin Walters has rubbished reports that the club are prepared to pay to see star prop Matt Lodge depart.
The Daily Telegraphโs Dean Ritchie first reported that Sydney clubs believe the Broncos are secretly open to paying a massive $1.6 million to offload the forward.
The 25-year old has four years to run on his contract worth around $800,000 a season - meaning rivals could secure him for around $400,000 per year.
One NRL recruiter toldย The Daily Telegraph: โThe Broncos are still keen to get rid of Lodge. They have let it be known that a club can have him for $400,000. Itโs unbelievable.
โBrisbane has been subtle about it but they are trying to offload him. The Broncos might deny it but they have done the rounds, donโt worry about that. They have made it known.
โYou could get him for $400,000 a year and Brisbane would pay the rest.โ
However, speaking on Sky Sports Radio, Walters flat out denied such claims.
โHe certainly will be. Heโs back training with us now actually. Heโs looking quite good," Walters said.
โHeโs been very impressive in his first couple of weeks and first week of training.
โIโm not sure where thatโs come from but heโll be here for round one next year.โ
Lodge has played 65 NRL games, originally playing for the Wests Tigers from 2014-2015.
He was restricted to just six first-grade appearances in 2020 due to ongoing knee injuries.
Penrith getting rid of 2 props.
If Lodge is cheap & Brisbane would pay some of his contract at another club? Lodge would be a good pick up for the Panthers. Heโs actually also a Penrith junior. If not something anyone would be too proud about. Given his previous behaviour.