Retaining young players is a great feeling for any club and even more so when they are from the area. For the Brisbane Broncos, who often pride themselves on junior development and retention, they have re-signed young duo Lachlan Maranta and Jarrod Wallace.
Both have signed new deals that will see them remain at the club until the end of 2016, with both players enjoying spells in first-grade so far this season.
Opportunity is the key for a younger player and for Wallace, he is thankful for the Broncos for giving him his start in rugby league.
“The Broncos and coach Anthony Griffin were the ones who gave me the opportunity to train as an NRL player for the first time,†said Wallace.
“They feel like family to me.
“We have a relatively young side here mixed with some older players and I can see some potential to do some good things over the next few years.â€
Maranta also has a strong association with the club. His grandfather Barry Maranta was the original Broncos Chairman and the family ties played a role in his decision to stay.
“I am really excited to be here for another two years,†he said.
“It has been awesome around the team this year, there is such a good feel getting among the group.
“Obviously that was a big thing in my decision to stay and it is obviously good to stay in your home town.â€
Equally pleased is the club themselves, with coach Anthony Griffin lauding the two for their effort and commitment.
“As a club we are pleased to be able to secure both Jarrod and Lachlan for the next chapter of their careers,†he said.
“They have shown this year that they have the ability to be long-term NRL players.
“They will be a part of the future successes of this club.â€
