Roosters enforcer Matt Lodge has reportedly been granted permission to depart the Tricolours immediately after he was left out first grade last week.

According to the SMH, Lodge’s management reportedly requested the release from his current contract which expires at the end of the 2023 season.

The 28-year-old confirmed at the start of June he won’t be at the club next year, explaining he had “options” with rival clubs circling.

“I think I’ll be heading on at this point,” Lodge said to NCA Newswire.

“Jared has decided he’s playing on and he deserves that because he’s been a warrior here for a long time, and I knew that when I came here.”

Lodge’s management had reportedly requested a release on two separate occasions over the last month and how the request has been granted.

Roosters powerbrokers reportedly have been unhappy with the former Warriors’ performances since he was told he wouldn’t be handed a new contract for next season.

His attitude has also been reported as a reason behind the club’s change of heart regarding his release request.

Lodge is currently earning around $300,000-per-season and the club’s salary cap is already reportedly stretched thin, meaning they won’t be replacing the front rower.

Panthers prop Spencer Leniu has already signed a contract to join the Tricolours from 2024, putting pen to paper on a deal reportedly worth upwards of $500,000-per-season.

The Roosters decision to hand veteran enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves reportedly sealed Lodge’s fate.

According to The Daily Telegraph, Lodge has reportedly sat down with Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo regarding a potential move to Belmore.

As it stands, English forward Luke Thompson’s contract has not been renewed and Lodge could take his place in Canterbury’s top 30.

Lodge has played 109 NRL games across stints with the Tigers, Broncos, Warriors and Roosters.