NRL news: Brisbane Broncos prop Matt Lodge expresses remorse over NYC incident

Controversial Brisbane Broncos star Matt Lodge has expressed regret over the ugly New York incident that derailed his career in 2015.

Video released by Channel Nine showed the forward assaulting Joseph Cartwright after unlawfully entering the home he shared with his wife Ruth Fowler and their children.

The fallout  from the incident has sparked criticism of the NRL for allowing Lodge to come back to the game and the Broncos for signing the 23-year-old.

The American couple say the NRL player never apologised to them for the incident and claim he hasn’t paid the $1.6 million damages fee issued in a civil lawsuit.

Speaking to Fox Sports’ Yvonne Sampson, Lodge said he’s extremely remorseful for what he put the family though.

Lodge training with the Broncos.

“I’ve done the wrong thing, they didn’t deserve that. I’m not trying to escape it. I’ll do anything I can to make up for it,” said the prop in a clip that aired on Fox Sports NRL 360.

“Since I’ve got back I’ve really turned things around from that night.

"I’ve done a lot of rehabilitation and self reflection (which) I probably should have done years ago when I was 18 or 19 coming through the game. I just didn’t get pushed to the point where I had to do it; I didn’t think it’d do anything for me.”

Lodge said the incident has had a great impact on his family.

Cartwright in a headlock by Lodge.

“I’m not brought up like that, I don’t come from a bad family and that doesn’t represent them or my family,” Lodge said.

“At the time it was hard me because it was embarrassing and there’s nothing I can do until I start doing some good stuff.

Joseph Cartwright with his wife Ruth Fowler.

“It is tough for them, but they’ve still stuck by me and I’ve got a good support group.”

“I done a couple of year’s worth (of rehab). I stayed in a rehabilitation facility for six weeks and lived there with people who were going through addiction problems and all sorts of things.

“I think I’m on the right path now.”