Shane Flanagan has denied the Dragons have signed unwanted prop Matt Lodge for 2025, despite initial reports the front-rower had joined the club.
It was widely reported that Lodge was handed a lifeline by St George Illawarra on a train-and-trial deal after being let go by the Sea Eagles at the end of last year.,
However, according to Flanagan, the discussions broke down and Lodge won't be donning the famous Red V this season.
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"I haven't seen anything because the story's not true," he told Sky Sports Radio.
Shane Flanagan has denied Matt Lodge will join the Dragons. Getty
"He hasn't signed a train-and-trial contract and he's highly unlikely to. We've spoken to Matt and that's one of these things that has gone off a little bit early.
"We'll just move on and I'm looking for another middle … he was suggested as one."
It leaves the 29-year-old in rugby league purgatory, having been denied a top 30 spot by Manly despite making himself a regular member of the team under Anthony Seibold.
Lodge has had an injury-plagued last couple of seasons, battling back from a ruptured ACL and a torn biceps in an otherwise fruitful stint on the northern beaches.
Matthew Lodge looks on during the 2024 semi final match between Sydney Roosters and Manly Sea Eagles at Allianz Stadium on September 21, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)Â Getty
While the Lodge move won't come to fruition, Flanagan recently admitted the Dragons are on the look-out for another middle-forward in their main squad.
"We've got 10 middles but three of them are really young," Flanagan said.
"While we've got good numbers, we've got three kids who haven't played NRL.
"I'm really comfortable with the players that we've got this year and our squad depth but we'll still be in the market for a front-rower."
Among the young guns at Flanagan's disposal will be Loko Pasifiki Tonga, who recently inked a fresh contract to remain at the Saints until the end of 2027.
