BY CURTIS WOODWARD

@woodward_curtis

NRMA Insurance – the major sponsor of the Brisbane Broncos – has been forced to defend their partnership with the club after fans took to social media to vent their frustrations at troubled prop Matt Lodge being part of the 2018 roster.

Lodge escaped a jail sentence after the home invasion and violent assault of a young family in New York City in 2015.

The hulking forward stalked a young pair of women and told them this is “night you will die”.

He then punched a man who had come to their rescue before breaking into his apartment and locking him out – all while his partner and young child were inside. Lodge then turned his attention to ransacking the home and attempted to break into the bathroom where the woman and child were hiding.

Matt Lodge has broken his silence and insisted he wants to repay the favour to the Broncos. #9NRLSFS pic.twitter.com/9gB8dSy891

— Sunday Footy Show (@SundayFootyShow) February 2, 2018

He was eventually arrested at gun point by police.

A fan asked the NRMA and fellow Brisbane sponsor Hyundai on Twitter “When will @nrmainsurance & @HyundaiAus @Hyundai_Global send a message to end violence against women and children?”

Another wrote “#DodgeLodge @nrmainsurance must be so proud to have this bloke representing their company’s culture, values and morals. @brisbanebroncos”.

The NRMA played a straight bat in response.

“We take all allegations of inappropriate behaviour seriously and have spoken with the Broncos about the allegations to reinforce our expectations for player behaviour and integrity. The matter is now with the NRL Integrity Unit and Club for review.

We want to express that we do not condone the past behaviour of Matthew Lodge as well as violence and aggression in any form.

— NRMA Insurance (@nrmainsurance) February 4, 2018

We have spoken with the Club regarding the matter. Both the Broncos and Matthew have taken significant steps to ensure he is in the best position to return to the game and meet the high expectations for player behaviour 2/2

— NRMA Insurance (@nrmainsurance) February 4, 2018

“We have spoken with the Club regarding the matter. Both the Broncos and Matthew have taken significant steps to ensure he is in the best position to return to the game and meet the high expectations for player behaviour.”

A supporter wrote back: “Allegations- did u see the footage ? Will be cancelling my policies this week.”

And later: “Still cancelling tomorrow!”

It has been revealed that it was Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett that convinced Lodge to have one final shot at the NRL.

@woodward_curtis

We believe that all sports should provide a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, and that the actions of players both on and off the field should reflect these values. 1/2

— NRMA Insurance (@nrmainsurance) February 3, 2018

Both the Broncos and Matthew have taken significant steps to ensure he is in the best position to return to the game and meet the high expectations for player behaviour. 2/2

— NRMA Insurance (@nrmainsurance) February 3, 2018