NEWS FLASH: According to The Mole at the Wide World of Sports, Manly Sea Eagles veteran Matt Lodge is being dubbed the ‘next Jared Waerea-Hargreaves’ after being linked with a move to…..

A wave of intrigue has swept across the NRL landscape after The Mole at the Wide World of Sports revealed that Manly Sea Eagles veteran Matt Lodge is being touted as the “next Jared Waerea-Hargreaves”—a comparison that has immediately turned heads across the competition.

Lodge, known for his bruising carries, uncompromising attitude, and willingness to play through pain, has been linked with a move that could reshape the forward pack dynamics of whichever club lands his signature. While specific destinations remain under wraps, insiders suggest at least two clubs with finals aspirations are circling, hoping to inject some fearlessness into their middle rotation ahead of the next campaign.

The Comparison That’s Stirring the Pot

Being likened to Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, one of the NRL’s most revered and intimidating enforcers, is no small accolade. JWH’s career has been defined by relentless aggression, leadership through physical example, and an unrivalled ability to change the tempo of a match with a single tackle.

Lodge, now a seasoned journeyman with experience across multiple clubs, has long possessed similar traits. What’s emerging now is a sense that he has matured into a player who can combine that raw power with veteran-level composure—a combination that has clubs eager to bring him into their fold.

Manly’s Dilemma: Retain Experience or Regenerate the Pack?

The Sea Eagles face a difficult decision. Lodge has provided valuable steel through the middle when fit, and his influence on younger forwards has been widely acknowledged within the club. However, salary cap pressures and a shifting long-term strategy could lead to Manly allowing him to explore options elsewhere.

If he moves on, the Sea Eagles would need to lean more heavily on rising talents while potentially pursuing a more mobile or youth-focused middle rotation.

What Lodge Could Bring to a New Club

Clubs considering a move for Lodge see him as:

• A proven enforcer who can set the tone in defence
• A momentum-builder with strong post-contact metres
• A veteran voice capable of anchoring a young forward pack
• A value signing if contract terms align with his injury history

For teams needing immediate toughness and leadership, Lodge represents a rare mid-career opportunity to acquire hardened experience without sacrificing future prospects.

The Road Ahead

Whether he remains at Manly or takes his fiery brand of football elsewhere, Matt Lodge’s next move promises to make headlines. If the JWH comparison is any indication, whichever club secures him may be gaining more than just a prop—they might be landing a catalyst capable of altering their forward identity entirely.

As speculation intensifies, one thing is certain: the NRL’s enforcer market just got very interesting.