Headlines have read that Waratahs prop Dan Palmer is heading to the Brumbies next season due to “the teams’ direction” and “regular game time” as he sits behind Baxter, Robinson and Kepu.
I might be over-simplifying this, but looking at the Brumbies, they have Alexander (who, if fit, will always start), Ma’afu and Sheperdson on the bench as cover.
It looks like the set up and Palmer’s position in the pecking order will probably not change much between NSW and ACT.
So the question begs: why not the Rebels?
I grew up in Sydney and Brisbane, finished Uni, and played club rugby in Brisbane with a stack of current Super 14 and Wallaby players.
I lived in Melbourne from the age of 27-30 and moved to Sydney in the last 12 months due to work. Melbourne has massive appeal and hopefully a few young blokes, who are considering the move, get a chance to read this as it really does offer nothing but positives.
1. Rugby has a very strong following in Melbourne and the Rebels will have a very strong fan base.
I caught up with a current Wallaby last year whilst he was in town for the weekend and he was swamped by people in the College Lawn pub wanting to chat to him and buy him a beer.
There is a strong population of ex-Brisbane and WA people in Melbourne who love their rugby, and anyone who has been to a Weary Dunlop lunch will know what I am talking about.
2. Players will be able to stay largely out of the spotlight as the AFL will – always – dominate the headlines and sporting pages. So the players will be able to go about their business and focus on their football. I think some of the Tahs would appreciate this!
3. World cup winning coach Rod McQueen. When McQueen took over the Wallabies, it was a pretty dark time for Australian rugby. The Kiwis really had us well and truly covered. Within 24 months we lifted ‘Bill’ and went on to win the Tri-Nations, Bledisloe and Lions.
4. For up-and-coming players who are looking for game time, like Palmer, they will get a real chance to regularly get on the pitch.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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