I reckon we’ll see the continuation of one of rugby league’s biggest-ever comebacks when the NRL resumes at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night.

I never thought I would say this, but Matt Lodge is well on the way to becoming one of the game’s most unlikely feel-good stories.

Yeah, yeah, I know. What Lodge did in his life before joining the Broncos two and a half years ago was inexcusable and I was as big a critic of him - and the club for signing him - as anyone. More recently I strenuously opposed talk of him ever being appointed Broncos captain – and I haven’t changed my mind on that issue.

But in saying all that, I can’t help but admire the way he has handled himself on and off the field since Wayne Bennett and the club gave him a chance prior to the start of the 2018 season.

Bennett, of course, has offered a lifeline to any number of troubled players during his coaching career. Some have been more successful than others and so far Lodge hasn’t put a foot wrong.

His latest achievement in conscientiously committing himself to rehab after what looked like a season-ending knee injury showed plenty of character.

His expected return off the bench against the Eels will be just another small step on the road to redemption but I reckon he’s very much on the right track – and deserves plenty of praise for what he’s done so far.

What do YOU reckon?