MATT Lodge is a step closer to returning to the NRL after the QRL agreed to register a contract for him to join Redcliffe late last week.

The Dolphins are the feeder club for Brisbane which has cleared a path for the 21-year-old to eventually return to first grade under Wayne Bennett.

Reports emerged mid-year that Lodge was on the Broncos’ radar and held talks with the forward.

The former Wests Tiger is attempting to get his life back on track after pleading guilty to a misdemeanour reckless assault charge resulting from a night out in New York last year which resulted in his sacking from the club.

Round 20

Matt Lodge of NSW 20s leaves the field. Source: Getty Images

Dolphins’ operations manager Grant Cleal told the club website the club takes great pride in “giving young players a second chance after they had made mistakes”.

“We know that our players need stability off the field to perform at their best on the field,” Cleal said.

“That is why we take such a holistic approach to recruitment and player wellbeing.

“Taking on a young player that is trying to get his career back on track after early setbacks is a big responsibility and one we take very seriously.

“We have the processes and supports in place for all our players to be the best they can be at playing the game and outside of it also.”

Instagram image of former Wests Tigers NRL player Matthew Lodge Source: No Source

Lodge was facing 25 years in a US jail after he was arrested and charged but was allowed to return to Australia last Christmas Eve.

Lodge had played 12 NRL games over two seasons before he had his contract torn up.

A Junior Kangaroos representative, the Blacktown junior said he’s excited to get back in a team environment and ready for the 2017 Intrust Super Cup season.

“I am really excited about coming to the Dolphins, they are very professional,” Lodge said.

“I’ve already spent a bit of time with the coach and met some of the boys and I really like the mateship of the team.

“I know it is a hugely respected club and I am really keen to get into pre-season with the boys and pull on the Dolphins jersey in February.”