Controversial Brisbane prop Matt Lodge says his polarising NRL return was worth it, claiming it was the first time he had been proud of himself.
Lodge appeared to have a comeback to regret in Brisbane's 34-12 season-opening defeat to St George Illawarra last week.
He copped it from the crowd and threw an intercept that led to Dragons half Ben Hunt's crunch try in the crushing loss.
It capped a turbulent week in which Brisbane copped criticism for signing Lodge on a one-year deal after his infamous 2015 New York drunken rampage.
But Lodge was proud to have made it back to the NRL after three years in the wilderness following his US arrest.
"I can honestly say after everything I've done in my life this is the first time I have genuinely been proud of myself," Lodge posted on Instagram.
"No one knows the battles I faced and how hard I had to work to get back to this point.
"Didn't get the result on the field Thursday but after 3 YEARS out of the game I sometimes genuinely thought this day would never come I'm glad I remained committed to my goal and pushed through because it was worth it."
Lodge acknowledged that some did not want to see his return but vowed to make the most of his NRL lifeline.
"Everyone wants to ride with you when you're doing well but I truly want to thank those who stuck by me and those who reached out to me when I was riding my low point I'll never forget it," he said.
"That to me is the true meaning of #loyalty.
"It's a new week and the past is the past from now on its time to move on and work hard towards the next goal.
"Most didn't think I could or want me to but I MADE IT BACK."
Lodge will face his biggest test yet in Friday night's Suncorp Stadium clash against North Queensland.
Cowboys prop Matt Scott said he had no problem with Lodge playing in the NRL ahead of what the North Queensland co-captain predicted would be a "physical encounter".
"No. It's rugby league once we cross that line," Scott said of Lodge.
"There's guys with different pasts and histories, as soon as we get on the field it's just a game."
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