Former Wallaby Greg Martin has launched a blistering attack on the Queensland Reds over the reported acquisition of NRL player Lachlan Maranta.
On the same day the Super Rugby franchise announced the return of Quade Cooper, Martin slammed his former outfit, the Reds, over winger Maranta who is believed to be switching codes from the Brisbane Broncos.
“Lachie Maranta; worst signing I have ever seen in my life,” said Martin on Triple M Brisbane’s Marto and Ed Kavalee for Breakfast on Thursday.
“If Wayne Bennett is prepared to get rid of his godson and his former PA’s son … if he’s prepared to get rid of him, that would indicate that he’s a crap player.”
Maranta has scored 30 tries in 70 games for the Broncos since debuting in 2012, but he has played only eight games this season after a knee injury kept him out early on.
“It’s the last thing the Reds need because if there is something that Queensland Rugby has got everywhere – through youth and school rugby – it’s exciting young wingers.
“And we pick up a dud who the Broncos want to get rid of because he’s had a knee injury.”
Maranta wasn’t the only ex-league star to earn the ire of Martin though.
He also took aim at former St George Illawarra outside back Eto Nabuli, who signed a two-year deal with the Reds last year.
“They picked up a dud last year – that Eto Nabuli,” Martin said.
“He might be six-foot-six and fast but you’ve still got to be able to play, you’ve got to have some natural ability for rugby.”
Martin was however happy with the club’s decision to bring Wallaby five eighth Quade Cooper back, signing him to a three-year deal on Wednesday.
“I know he’s had his problems, he’s now 28 years of age, he’s mature,” Martin said.
“You saw the way he tried to run that Test match until the NSW five-eighth, Foley, stuffed him up last weekend.
“Quade’s ready to go and that’s what the Reds really need.”
The Reds declined to comment on Maranta but are expected to confirm his signing next week.
Martin English
Roar Rookie
"You saw the way he tried to run that Test match until the NSW five-eighth, Foley, stuffed him up last weekend." Classy work, Marto.
jaysper
Roar Guru
I would have to say that the worst signing I have ever seen would be Benji Marshall by the Blues. Never looked like he was going to make a successful transition to Union and presumably cost a small fortune. As much as I admire Kirwan for his work in mental health and his contribution to the All Blacks, I don't rate him as a coach and this confirmed it for me. I remember thinking at the time that that if Marshall was his great hope for turning around the Blues, then he was screwed - and so he was!
soapit
Guest
twas dont get too excited. for my recollection maranta is the worst player to play wing in broncos history. i think the leading try scorer may have come from his position as much as any good work from maranta himself. still rugby is a different game and he might kick on iin it. mind you succesive coches have seen something in him. he does have a big connection to the club (just read his grandad was a club founder) but id hope there was more to it than that. having said that martin doesnt rate him which would put me in agreement which throws the whole thing into doubt. i guess at least my opinion comes from watching him play so we at least differ in that and perhaps its ok.
Myleftboot
Guest
Not an option for me mate! Got cardboard knees. I can do this job til our poxy government give me my pension, a rugger player til mid thirties, forty if you're not entirely human... Brad thorne....
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
He's being paid as a depth signing and from what you say, may potentially offer more.
double agent
Guest
Yeah but would you rather be a telecom field engineer or play rugby for a living? I know which one I'd pick!
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
He's on a low contract. The Super Rugby cap works out to be around $125k per player. Obviously wallabies get an ARU top up. But the point is Maranta is on the low end of the contract scale.
Myleftboot
Guest
Yeah, he is joining that South African team, Montpellier
Myleftboot
Guest
I'm in the UK, that converts to less than£40 000,a little bit more than I get as a telecom field engineer. That's pretty poxy isn't it? No wonder so many come over here, and say yes sir to comic book guy Toulon
Dally
Guest
Spot on!
Esses
Guest
Maranta was the Broncos leading try-scorer last year (from memory) & a first-grade fixture until he was injured. Lots of people judging prematurely maybe?
Pete
Guest
I never rated Eto in League at all, he is slow with bad hands, the Dragons got rid of him after one season, so shows how good he is.
Harry
Guest
I take your point but I think Nadolo is off to a big money Euro contract.
Harry
Guest
Certainly agree with Marto on Nabuli. Doesnt sound promising on Maranta.
Red Block
Guest
So next year the Crusaders wingers will be Nadolo and Digby Ioane. Go figure!
UTB
Guest
Nah Greg Martin by Fox Sport. At least on triple M they know he know he's just spouting off. His presence on Fox implies he knows something about the game rather than just being a poorly informed self-publicist trying to raise his own profile.
Terry
Guest
" It’s the last thing the Reds need because if there is something that Queensland Rugby has got everywhere – through youth and school rugby – it’s exciting young wingers. but but but ... The WALLABIES don't have any exciting young wingers Marto ...
Jig
Guest
Unless Horan has fixed up his defensive issues, then he won't make the grade.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
I think no matter what sport you are, for the last contracts worth reportedly $70k a season, you're always going to be getting discards.
Myleftboot
Guest
Surely this is the reality of the situation in Oz? Third sport behind league and aussie rules, and carrying one too many super teams means you have to sift through their discards?