Tigers terminate Lodge after US arrest

Wests Tigers have terminated Matthew Lodge’s playing contract after he was arrested for allegedly assaulting a man and stalking two women while holidaying in New York.

The 20-year-old forward is accused of following the two women home to a unit block, telling them “this is the night that you die”.

In a statement late on Sunday Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe said the club would not tolerate such behaviour.

“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,” Pascoe said.

The club would continue to offer welfare and counselling options to the 20-year-old to ensure he had the support he needed, he said.

It’s alleged Lodge followed the women into a unit after they were let into the building by a male resident, Fairfax Media reports.

Lodge then assaulted the man and damaged the apartment, a New York police report said.

Lodge was charged with criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, criminal trespass, assault and menacing.

The charges come just months after the young player was stood down by the Tigers over similar domestic violence allegations.

Lodge was granted strict bail conditions after facing court in August for six offences including stalking, intimidation and assault.

* National domestic violence helpline: 1800 737 732 or 1800RESPECT. In an emergency call triple-zero.

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