NRL fans stunned by Matt Lodge sighting after Warriors exit

NRL fans have been left surprised after Warriors forward Matt Lodge was spotted playing a second grade rugby union match on the weekend.

Lodge left his second NRL club in 12 months after the New Zealand Warriors prop was granted an immediate release.

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The forward didn't see himself relocating to New Zealand, from the Warriors' Redcliffe base, in the future.

"I couldn't see my family living in New Zealand for a long-term future," he said.

"Therefore we decided that the best thing for the club was for us to mutually part ways so they have some clarity."

His brief spell on the road with the Warriors ends a rollercoaster 12 months for the 26-year-old, who was engulfed in drama at the end of last season.

Now, Fox Sports garnered footage of Lodge playing a second grade union match in Brisbane.

The forward was spotted playing for North Brisbane in a 50 minute run.

Nine News reporter Michael Atkinson said Lodge paid his registration 'on the spot' to play in the game.

Matt Lodge parts ways with Warriors

Lodge enjoyed a relatively trouble-free run at previous club Brisbane following his long ban out of the game for high-profile off-field incidents.

Joining the Warriors in July, Lodge's final appearance was against South Sydney last Saturday.

Warriors CEO Cameron George said Lodge's departure allowed them to move forward with planning and develop their younger players.

"We're grateful to Matt for the contribution he has made since joining us last year and wish him and his family all the best for the future," George said.

with AAP

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