RLMD SIGNINGS TRACKER: Miners lock in key signings for 2025 season

Moranbah Miners’ new A-grade coach has helped the club secure a couple of major signings for 2025, including a former NRL player.

Chris McQueen training during his time with Wests Tigers in the NRL. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

Moranbah Miners have joined the list of Rugby League Mackay and District clubs who have made major moves this offseason, with a pair of key signatures locked in for 2025.

As previously reported in this masthead, former NRL player and Queensland State of Origin representative Chris McQueen will be lining up in the Miners’ second row come the new season.

New coach Josh Stowers has said McQueen will be joined by 2021 Rugby League Townsville and District MVP Addo Waianga who will play in the halves.

Josh Stowers (pictured during his time with Townsville Blackhawks) is set to lead Moranbah in 2025. PICTURE: MATT TAYLOR.

Waianga helped Western Lions to a grand final berth in Townsville last season, where they were defeated 34-24 by Souths.

Stowers, who steps into the A-grade coaching role to replace Jim Ahmat, said he’s excited by the prospect of bringing in a pair of players as talented as McQueen and Waianga.

“It’s fantastic, but I think what’s equally important is that we’ve been able to retain a lot of the players from last year,” Stower said.

“But yeah I think it’s going to be massive for us this year to have those guys in the mix.”

Addo Waianga (pictured playing for Townsville Brothers) will feature in the halves for Moranbah this coming season. Picture: Evan Morgan

As the new man at the helm of the Miners, who made it into the finals last season before suffering a heartbreaking defeat to Souths Sharks in the elimination final, Stowers said his focus will be on what is happening on and off the field.

“In the two years I’ve been here I’ve really enjoyed working under Jimmy Ahmat, and the culture and what he provides,” he said.

“He wants to create good footy players but also good people, so that’s probably something he’s done over the past couple of years that’s been really good for the club and I just want to follow on from what he’s done and add my own flavour to it.”