Wests Tigers have terminated the contract of 20-year-old Matthew Lodge, after he was arrested in connection with alleged assault and stalking while on holiday in New York.
The young forward is in America celebrating the end of the NRL season, and stands accused of following two women back to their apartment after a night out, and telling them “this is the night you die.”
It is alleged that Lodge also assaulted a man who was present, and damaged the apartment. Bystanders called 911, and he was charged with criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, criminal trespass, assault and menacing.
In a statement overnight, Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe said:
“The club is incredibly disappointed to learn that Matthew Lodge has been charged by police while overseas on holiday. We have since made the decision to terminate Lodge’s playing contract with Wests Tigers, effective immediately,”
The once-promising player has had a history of similar incidents, and was stood down by the Tigers in August after being charged with common assault, malicious damage, stalking an intimidation, and being served with a domestic violence order.
Additionally, he was fined $10,000 after being involved in an altercation outside a Kings Cross club in January.
Domestic violence is never acceptable. If you or someone you know is experiencing physical or sexual abuse, calls can be made 24 hours a day on 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) to the National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Line, or visit www.whiteribbon.org.au.
via Nine News
Photo: Matt King via Getty Images
