Former NRL and Super Rugby signs with Wynnum Manly

The signing of a former cross-code star has boosted the premiership hopes of a Queensland rugby league powerhouse.

Lachlan Maranta during his time with the Dragons. Picture: Dylan Robinson

THIS year’s Intrust Super Cup grand finalists have pulled off a major coup after signing a former cross-code star.

The Wynnum Manly Seagulls have bolstered their squad with the addition of 72-game NRL veteran and former Queensland Reds player Lachlan Maranta as they push to go one step further than this season, where they lost in the season decider to Burleigh.

Maranta joins the Seagulls after a season with the St George Illawarra Dragons, where he played two NRL games in 2019, and also on the back of a stint with the Queensland Reds where he appeared in three Super Rugby games.

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Before that, the 27-year-old winger/fullback spent five seasons and played 70 NRL games with the Brisbane Broncos.

Lachlan Maranta scores a try for the Brisbane Broncos. Picture: Peter Wallis

Maranta will provide a much-needed boost for the Seagulls backline after losing crowd favourite and Papua New Guinea star fullback Edene Gebbie to the South Sydney Rabbitohs and will add more experience to Adam Brideson’s star-studded team.

Seagulls CEO Hanan Laban said the signing was a major coup for the club.

Lachlan Maranta during his stint with the Queensland Reds. Picture: Darren England

“To bring in someone with Lachie’s experience in the game and talent is huge for us,” he said.

“But also it’s someone who already has ties with other players at our club so the team chemistry is already there.

“What stood out to me when talking to Lachie about playing here was that he’s just a good person and he is here for the right reasons.

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“He can play multiple positions for us, whether it’s at fullback or on the wing and wherever he plays he will be a quality addition for us.”

Wynnum Manly have had a good off-season after re-signing 14 of the 17 players who suited up in this year’s grand final.

The Seagulls have already started pre-season training and are expected to announce more signings in the coming days.