As we approach the magic August 1 deadline, NRL rosters for 2023 finalise and become locked in.
Inevitably this play a role in deciding where players land for the next year and beyond.
It often leads to players suddenly becoming available also, which seems as if it could be the case for Roosters prop Matt Lodge.
He announced during the week that he would not be in the tri-colours for 2024, which should kick off a chase for his services.
Below are five potential landing spots for Matt Lodge.
4. Manly Sea Eagles
Manly have some handy players in their prop rotation. I'd argue Taniela Paseka is on a trajectory to be something special.
Outside of Paseka, and potentially Toafofoa Sipley, the Manly pack doesn't scream intimidation.
Jake Trbojevic is an incredible player but won't run for 220 metres a game. Josh Aloaia hasn't kicked on as we all expected.
You add Lodge to that run on side with Paseka, with Sipley coming off the bench and suddenly you're looking ahead to a Sea Eagles clash with a grimmance.
Manly's salary cap is always dominated by their big three stars so I don't know where they stand money wise.
Again, Lodge may be looking for more opportunity over pay packet, and Manly would surely offer him a big opportunity.
Matt Lodge is only just 28, so I’d think he’d have three good years (injury allowing) before his performance tails off. I know nothing about Warrington and Super League, so I’ll ignore them.
Newcastle have been worse off for losing Klemmer, and Isuspect that they have already realised that letting him go was a bad move. I think that if they can scrape up the cap-space then Matt may head up the M1.
Lodge could provide the aggression & oomph that current Sharks forwards donโt have.