Lodge arrived in the US last week, two days before the rest of Todd Paytenโs squad.
He was on the books at Manly when the Sea Eagles played in Las Vegas in 2024, but did not make the trip because he was recovering from knee surgery.
Cowboys coach Todd Payten watches on at the clubโs first field session.Credit: Getty Images
Lodge told reporters his past still followed him, but coming back to the US finally โprobably gives me a bit of closureโ.
โIโm grateful that they let me back here. Iโm probably a different person than when I came 11 years ago,โ he said.
โIโve got four kids at home, and I think I was 18 when it happened. I had a fake ID, and I was over here for a footy trip. It was a mistake. I wish it didnโt happen, but it did, and Iโve just got to get on with it.โ
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Lodge said the Cowboys had been supportive of him while aware of the publicity his return to the US would generate.
He joined the club on a one-year contract after playing 12 NRL games for Manly last season, having also spent time at the Broncos, Warriors, and Roosters over the past eight years.
The veteran adds depth and experience to Paytenโs forward pack as the Cowboys look to improve on a 12th-placed finish in 2025.
โBig Lodgey, heโs been great for the group โฆ strange cat, but we all love him,โ said Cowboys hooker Reed Mahoney, another new arrival in Townsville.
โIโm actually his [roommate] โฆ honestly, I donโt know how he has four kids because Iโm looking after him. Heโs been great for us, and heโs well-experienced in the NRL, so heโs going to be a great addition to our team.โ
The Cowboys will take on the Newcastle Knights in the first of two NRL round-one games at Las Vegasโ Allegiant Stadium this weekend.
