The Wellington Phoenix men have further bolstered their squad ahead of the start of pre-season training.
Left fullback Lucas Mauragis will join the Phoenix on loan from the Newcastle Jets for the 2022/23 A-League season.
Mauragis, 20, made his debut for the Jets at the end of the 2019/20 campaign and has made 23 appearances for Newcastle over the past two seasons, scoring two goals.
Phoenix head coach Ufuk Talay is looking forward to working with the Australian age-group international and believes Mauragis can push regular left back Sam Sutton.
“I liked watching Lucas last year at Newcastle. Although he had limited game time there he looked effective going forward with the ball,” Talay said.
“The way that we play our fullbacks are an important cog in creating goalscoring opportunities and scoring goals and he looks like he’s got a bit of flair going forward.
“We’re excited that he’s decided to come on loan with us and he’ll be playing where Sam plays and it’ll be good to have competition for that left back position.”
Mauragis grew up in Merimbula on the south coast of New South Wales and left home at the age of 13 to join the Canberra United academy and further his football career.
“I feel like Wellington is an awesome opportunity for me to develop as a player,” he said.
“Growing up I was always a left winger and I’ve progressed to more of a left wingback role.
“Attacking is what I like to do. As a fullback I make sure I get up to attack as much as possible, while defending as well. Running is an asset of my game I like to use.
“I look forward to the challenge and playing my best football in Wellington. I can’t wait to join the team and get started.”
Lucas Mauragis will arrive in Wellington on Sunday ahead of the start of pre-season training on Monday.
He will wear the no. 12 shirt for the Phoenix.
