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.