Leeds Rhinos sign NRL prop Matt Lodge until end of 2026 season

Leeds Rhinos have signed experienced NRL prop Matt Lodge on a deal until the end of the 2026 Super League season, with the player expected to arrive in England this weekend and potentially make his debut against York Knights on August 24. The move comes as the league-leading Rhinos look to bolster their forward pack amid a recent injury toll.

Lodge, 31, has been granted an immediate release by the North Queensland Cowboys, where he made 15 appearances this season but saw his playing time diminish in recent weeks. He has previously played for the Brisbane Broncos, Sydney Roosters, and other NRL clubs. The signing was confirmed by Leeds coach Brad Arthur, who said Lodge was seeking an opportunity and is playing for his future.

The arrival of Lodge addresses a pressing need for Leeds, who have suffered key injuries. Second-row forward James McDonnell is expected to miss approximately two weeks with a pectoral muscle strain sustained in a previous match against Wakefield Trinity. Centre Jack Bird also failed a head injury assessment during the team's recent loss to Leigh Leopards, ruling him out of the upcoming fixture at York. Arthur noted the squad's depth in the forwards was...