Matt Lodge has been handed a three-year contract extension by the Brisbane Broncos.
Brisbane tied Lodge down to fresh terms after agreeing new deals with a string of key players, including Joe Ofahengaue, Jamayne Isaako and Payne Haas.
The prop has made 37 appearances for the Broncos since returning to rugby league last year, having been deregistered from the NRL in the wake of an assault charge in New York in 2015.
"It's been quite a long journey over the last few years, but I've got my dream contract with my dream club and at the end of the day the decision was made pretty easy for me because this is where I want to be," Lodge said in a statement.
"There was some interest from other places and the money was good, but at the end of the day I had to step back from that and I'm happy here.
"When I was out of the game, I guess I looked forward to the first contract that would be put on the table and eventually I just drew a line, and I'm happy with where I am and with what the club has given me – I recommitted here and I love this place.
"When I made the decision to stay, I knew that this is a group of people that have supported me since I first got back and I wanted to repay the faith, and I wanted to give the fans and this club something they can be proud of and I'll be working really hard to get that result."
Great signing news for the #Bronxnation with a big gun committing to the cause for the long term:https://t.co/C1X6OpUvsz pic.twitter.com/jMTXkgbcbi
— Brisbane Broncos (@brisbanebroncos) July 11, 2019
Broncos CEO Paul White added: "We have been unwavering in our support for Matt over recent years, and it has been really pleasing to see his growth both on and off the footy field.
"He has matured into a leader and mentor for many of our younger players and continues to work on his own development through studies and community work, as well as being a loving father to young Coby and partner to Jess."
