![\"Dylan](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ca2fc571bd92cecfe23ed62744b2ba42e141407e.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nHe since resumed his top-grade career with Brisbane in 2018 after fulfilling the \u201cfit-and-proper person\u201d protocols to convince the game\u2019s governing body that he was worthy of a second chance.<\/p>\n
After stints with the Broncos, Warriors, Sydney Roosters and Manly, he has joined the Cowboys, who have confirmed he is in the mix for their round-one clash with Newcastle at Allegiant Stadium.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Dylan Brown after appearing in Downing Centre Court in 2023.Credit: Nick Moir<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re going through the visa process, and he [Lodge] is part of that,\u201d a Cowboys spokesman said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are two parts to that \u2013 if he\u2019s approved, and if he\u2019s selected [in the squad].\u201d<\/p>\n
Cowboys coach Todd Payten already has a host of middle forwards at his disposal, including Jason Taumalolo, Reuben Cotter, Coen Hess, Thomas Mikaele, Sam McIntyre and Harrison Edwards.<\/p>\n
Lodge\u2019s conviction in New York has not prevented him from travelling overseas since.<\/p>\n
He has posted photos on social media of trips to Europe and New Zealand with his family and told podcaster James Graham last year: \u201cI did two or three hundred hours of community service, then they offered me another year of good behaviour to wipe all travel restrictions and that, which I was happy to take.\u201d<\/p>\n
A knee reconstruction meant he was no chance of joining his then Manly teammates in Las Vegas in 2024.<\/p>\n
North Queensland\u2019s round-one opponents, the Knights, are waiting to hear if Dylan Brown\u2019s application for a US visa has been successful.<\/p>\n
The Kiwi international, who has signed a 10-year deal with Newcastle, reported to be worth $13 million, pleaded guilty to two charges of sexual touching in 2023.<\/p>\n
He was sentenced to an 18-month community corrections order in Sydney\u2019s Downing Centre Local Court.<\/p>\n
![\"Dylan](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ca5df4b95dd98f4777a0d7b835c00d588d72e99b.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n
Dylan Brown playing for New Zealand in 2025.Credit: Getty Images<\/p>\n
Newcastle football director Chris James said Brown\u2019s face-to-face meeting at the US Consulate \u201chas already taken place\u201d and was confident he would be cleared to fly out for Las Vegas next month.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have no reason to believe that it won\u2019t be approved,\u201d James said.<\/p>\n
James said the NRL had been proactive in helping with visa requests.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery year the NRL has gone through this process with all different clubs,\u201d he said. \u201cThe NRL are really good and take the lead on it.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a bit of a longer process than it used to be, but I think the NRL have a really good relationship with the US consulate and the process is pretty smooth. It just takes a bit of time.\u201d<\/p>\n
While there have been no cases yet of NRL players being refused US visas, Warrington coach Sam Burgess had to wait until the 11th hour before he was cleared to fly over for his team\u2019s clash with Wigan last year.<\/p>\n
Some Australians have not fared so well at border control.<\/p>\n