captainsutto
Grand Master
- Joined
- 27 Feb 2012
- Messages
- 11,581
- Reaction score
- 4,586
the multiple club departures are suss.
Are they? It’s clear to me that it isn’t.
“Lodge initially thought he would extend with a three-year deal at the club in 2023, before Jared Waerea-Hargreaves opted to extend and the deal fell through
When told he would not be kept beyond the end of last year, Lodge requested a release that was eventually granted by the Tri-colours.
Robbo is a top-tier coach, he's very good and I learned a lot," Lodge said.
"It was just a business transaction at the end there. I was playing for a packet of chips and can of coke each week. That couldn't last forever“
Ditto at Manly
It's up in the air (where I end up) because I am not signed and the club (Manly) was talking about trying to make some room.
"I love it here.
"(But) at the end of the day people have got to understand I have four kids and have to pay the bills.
The Warriors? This clears it up as well
But with the Warriors due to return to New Zealand next month, he decided it was time to hit the eject button. It is understood Lodge was concerned at some other off-field incidents related to the treatment of Warriors teammates, which represented the final straw in him knocking back the four-year upgrade.
“It wasn’t a planned exit. I was supposed to play out the year at least. It all happened really fast,” he said.
“This time around, when I called time at the Warriors, I made the decision after learning from my last months with the Broncos.
“I wouldn’t let the boys know what was affecting me. I continued to buy in. I trained my hardest every session, I helped younger lads out and made time for the boys. I gave everything I could to try to get us a win every week.
“I’m just somewhat happy my time ended with the club with respect from the boys because at the end of the day that’s what matters to me most. It was very tough getting in front of that group and telling them I was done.