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Report: Eels to drop out of three-team tug of war for Lodge

There’s a fair bit going on ahead of the June 30 transfer deadline!

Published by
Ben Cotton

The Eels are set to drop out of the race for Matt Lodge's services, according to a report by The Sydney Morning Herald.

It is believed that that the Warriors have thrown their hat in the ring for the Brisbane prop, who comes off contract at the end of next season.

The Warriors' deal is understood to be worth more than the Eels' and Broncos'.

Brisbane are facing a battle to retain their man, given Lodge's partner is the daughter of Warriors recruitment boss Peter O'Sullivan.

It is believed that the Broncos will also struggle to retain out-of-favour youngster Jayden Su'a, with links being made to the Rabbitohs.

Having stepped aside from the race for Lodge, Parramatta will now reportedly target emerging Storm prop Christian Welch.

The 24-year old has a player option in his current deal with Melbourne at the end of the season.

"I'm realistic. I understand in our game there is a salary cap and in an ideal world players would like to stay at their club and be one-club players, but there is restrictions on that," Welch told The Sydney Morning Herald in April.

"It's kind of weighing up whether there is more room to grow at another club and whether I've potentially reached my ceiling here."

Published by
Ben Cotton