Lachlan Maranta backs Greg Eden to win Broncos wing spot

WITH spots up for grabs in Brisbane’s backline Greg Eden is being tipped to bolt from the blue and secure a spot in first grade.

Wynnum Manly Seagulls Greg Eden brushes off Easts Tigers opponent in the Intrust Super Cup at Kougari Oval - Picture: Richard Walker

LACHLAN Maranta has backed former roommate Greg Eden to win a starting spot with the Broncos.

Maranta, frustrated to be sidelined for the start of the season with a fractured wrist, believed Eden would be the best person to fill the vacant wing spot he had hoped would be his own.

With Jack Reed still recovering from a shoulder reconstruction, Eden has emerged as the favourite to take the extra back spot for the opening rounds.

Maranta was expected to pull on the jersey before his own injury ruled him out but said he thought Eden would rise to the challenge, after the “British Billy Slater” was named to start in Sunday’s World Club Series match against Wigan.

“I lived with Greg for a year so I do hope he gets that shot,” Maranta said.

“Not playing last year was a bit frustrating for him. I saw sometimes when he was a bit down at home So I hope Greggy gets that Round 1 spot and shows everyone what he can do.’’

Tom Opacic is the other Brisbane back who is pushing for an NRL debut but coach Wayne Bennett has him on an extended bench for the UK game.

Maranta said he thought Opacic was the only one who could push Eden out of contention following a strong Auckland Nines performances from the youngster.

“With Tommy, I got to watch the Nines and I thought he was our standout player,” Maranta said.

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“The thing with both players that Wayne will be confident in, is they aren’t going to let us down.

“They haven’t been letting us down at training so whoever does get that spot is going to be fine.”

Reed is not expected back until the start of April while Maranta is working towards a full recovery by Round 7, giving Eden or Opacic plenty of game time before then.

Eden has yet to make his NRL debut.

Maranta said he is hoping another shot will present itself for him this year, after he returned to running at training last Saturday.

“Obviously it’s a bit frustrating at the moment. I can’t really do too much at training,” he said.

“I’m just doing one arm weights and body weights on my legs. I started running.

“I’m a while away from being back on the field but it made me feel good within myself that I’m back running and don’t have to sit on a bike.’’

Originally published as Lachlan Maranta backs Greg Eden to win Broncos wing spot