Reds give Lachlan Maranta first Super Rugby start as replacement for Karmichael Hunt

ONE ex-Broncos out. Another ex-Bronco in. With Karmichael Hunt out with concussion, the Reds have called up Lachlan Maranta to face the Brumbies.

Lachlan Maranta will line-up at fullback against the Brumbies.

ONE ex-Broncos out. Another ex-Bronco in.

That’s the scenario for the Reds at fullback after Karmichael Hunt was left out with concussion from their clash against the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday night.

Lachlan Maranta, an off-season recruit from the Broncos, gets his first start in Super Rugby at fullback after coming off the bench in their match last month against the Jaguares in Buenos Aires.

Maranta’s sturdy skillset became surplus to requirements on the wing in the eyes of Broncos coach Wayne Bennett last year, but he played 70 first-grade games across five seasons.

The 24-year-old will be eager to help the Reds to the second Super Rugby win of the season.

Lachlan Maranta will line-up at fullback against the Brumbies.

The stocks of halfback Nick Frisby has slumped further with his absence from the 23-man squad to take on the Brumbies.

Prop Sef Fa’agase returns from a calf injury, triggering a reshuffle in the front row.

Fa’agase will start at loosehead prop, with Sam Talakai returning to his regular position of tighthead and Taniela Tupou shifted to the reserves.

Lock Izack Rodda has also been named on the bench in place of Lukhan Tui.

“I flagged at the end of last week’s game there was a need for change,’’ Reds coach Nick Stiles said.

“We’re really happy with the depth we have in the squad at the moment and the competitiveness it is driving within the group for spots.’’

Queensland Reds: Sef Fa’agase, Stephen Moore (c), Sam Talakai, Rob Simmons,Kane Douglas, Adam Korczyk, George Smith, Scott Higginbotham; James Tuttle, Jake McIntyre; Eto Nabuli, Duncan Paia’aua, Samu Kerevi, Chris Kuridrani, Lachlan Maranta. Reserves: Alex Mafi, Kirwan Sanday, Taniela Tupou, Izack Rodda, Hendrik Tui, Moses Sorovi, Hamish Stewart, Izaia Perese.

Originally published as Reds give Lachlan Maranta first Super Rugby start as replacement for Karmichael Hunt