NRL 2019: Warriors in hot pursuit of controversial Brisbane Broncos' prop Matt Lodge

The revolving door at the NZ Warriors has been spinning this week, but the NRL club is tight-lipped about reports it has thrown big money at Brisbane prop Matt Lodge.

Hooker Karl Lawton added two years to his Warriors contract on Wednesday, a day after the signing of rising Sydney Roosters second-rower Josh Curran for the same period, until the end of 2021.

Five-season centre Solomone Kata was released to join Melbourne on Monday.

A more seismic move is the potential signing of Broncos powerhouse Lodge, who the Warriors have reportedly offered a hefty sum to cross the Tasman next season.

Lodge, 24, is said to be considering several offers, including staying in Brisbane, although Auckland may have some appeal, as his partner's father is Warriors recruitment boss Peter O'Sullivan.

NRL 2019: Warriors in hot pursuit of controversial Brisbane Broncos' prop Matt Lodge

Lodge's return to the NRL in 2018 courted plenty of controversy, due to a 2015 incident in New York that saw him plead guilty to reckless assault. 

He followed and harassed a German tourist, telling her, "this is the night you're going to die", before forcing his way into the apartment of a man protecting her, while his wife and nine-year old son cowered in a bathroom.

Coach Stephen Kearney was cagey about the club's willingness to secure Lodge.

"It's speculation at this stage," he told media. "We're always trying to improve our list and someone of Matt's quality would be an asset for the footy club.

"Nothing's been formalised - it's pure speculation at this stage, so we'll see what happens.

"He's a big body. He's done really well since being at the Broncos and had a really good season last year.

"He's sort of an old-school front-rower and there's a lot to like about his game."

Lawton's extension probably marks the death knell for Kiwis veteran hooker Isaac Luke, who has been dropped for Sunday's home game against Penrith.

Luke had the conditions of his one-season deal improved earlier this season but has struggled to find his best form and is now unlikely to be retained next year.

Kearney said he liked the signing of 20-year-old Curran, who made his NRL debut off the bench when the Roosters played the Storm in round six and is rated one of the best junior forwards in NSW.        

AAP 

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