The player signings, or lack thereof, to the Melbourne Rebels must surely be making a number of people nervous about their debut season.
Whilst I have no doubt they will be able to fill the ranks with a number of amateurs from around the country, more needs to be done to recruit a number of quality professional players.
Currently, five professional players (that I know of) have been signed to the Rebels (Laurie Weeks, Adam Byrnes, Danny Cipriani, Lachie Mitchell and Richard Kingi).
Mark Gasnier is also a favourite to sign.
After recently watching the Adelaide Sevens over the weekend, it occured to me: if the ARU have allowed up to ten international signatures for the Rebels, why are the Rebels not looking at the Sevens competitions for players?
We already know the benefits of the 7 man game to the 15 code (do I need to name the number of Wallabies that have come through this form of the game?)
Is there a reason why this hasn’t occurred?
One argument is that Rod McQueen is hoping to fill the roster with mostly Australians “for the good of the Australian game”. He has also stated that he doesn’t just want “mercenaries” coming for the money.
However, time is running out.
Would it cost a lot of money to sign these players? Definitely not.
I found an article which describes that the Samoan team is basically “playing for nothing,” where players only are paid $100 a week to cover food and transport and a further $200 if they win the tournament. Compare that to an Australian Sevens player, who currently earns approximately $5000 per tournament on top of a generous base salary.
So what is stopping Rod Mcqueen from signing players such as:
– Mikaela Pesamino (25, Samoa): Player of the series so far. 31 tries in 2007-08. Signed to Auckland Sevens NPC.
– Lolo Lui (27, Samoa): Plays club rugby for Moataa, Samoa
– William Ryder (27, Fiji): One of the highest points scorers to date in the Sevens. Currently not signed with any 15s side.
– Waiseli Beci (21, Fiji): Player of the future. Plays for Police Blues, Fiji.
– Collins Injera (23, Kenya): Highest try-scorer in 2008-09 with 42 tries. Plays in Nairobi.
And there are a number of others.
It may be wishful thinking at this stage to recruit Australians playing abroad when it seems that the majority of contracts are signed. Here is an opportunity to recruit fast, attacking players with the natural ability to score.
Not only would they bring a great degree of running rugby, but will certainly turn the Rebels into an exciting squad with a wide squad of talent from around the world.
Republican
Guest
Mortlock is officially a 'Rabble.'
Shahsan
Guest
Speaking of 7s, the HK 7s just finished on the weekeend and turned out to be a much tighter, more competitive tournament than the Adelaide one that preceded it. Samoa again won, but this time in a nailbiter against NZ, after beating England in another close one. But most disappointingly, and despite the young and exciting Australian team winning the Plate, NOT A SINGLE MENTION, not even the results, in any of the major papers. And we wonder why the Adelaide 7s has never quite taken off.
Matt
Guest
What about Ben Gollings from the English 7's team. Who lives on the Gold Coast and plays for the Breakers. He's not young but has a heck of a lot of experience and a great skill set and leadership value too.
Colin N
Guest
A very good signing.
Chris K
Guest
Heard today that the rebels signed up Gareth Delve, a welsh flanker.
Mike G
Guest
I too am suprised nobody picked up Stannard at S14 level after the Force...Unless there's something we don't know, I was impressed with his play in Perth
Justin
Guest
WCR- Just saw Jones come on for the Force for the last 4 mins v Bulls. I must say he looks big, strong and pretty quick - an all round athlete with aggression and skill. He moved the ball from one arm to the other to put in a big fend. I like that! Good signs for the Rebels :)
Rockin Rod
Guest
he has actually signed for EAstwood in Tooheys New Shuite Shield
Rockin Rod
Guest
yeah respectful to the players, i dont think Hynes and Cooper would want to play in front of the suncorp crowd already announced to signing with another state union
Rockin Rod
Guest
i would be interested to know what actual support you mean. Everyone in Qld knows he is innocent he should take the money in the west or france. Qld are broke
Nick P
Guest
He'd probably come cheap as chips so you could probably even have him as a 3rd halfback on the roster.
Brett McKay
Guest
yep, agree Nick. Instead he playing for the Queanbeyan Whites. You'd reckon he'd be a better option long term for the Rebels than Sam Cordingley...
Brett McKay
Guest
the Rebels have renewed their chase for Toomua, but he's said overnight he's in no hurry to make up his mind. I'd imagine how he plays with Giteau at 12 for the next few games might decide things for both Toomua and Christian Lealiifano, who the Rebels are also keen on, being a Melbourne boy..
TommyM
Guest
I hope he'll go to the Force, where he'd be guaranteed the starting 10 spot, but would be great to see him here in Melbourne too- especially if Cipriani does play (as has been suggested) at 15
formeropenside
Guest
If Cooper does a Barnes on Qld after the support from the QRU...well...that would be poor behaviour.
Justin
Guest
Yep seems to be really stuffing up their season, playing horribly the reds!
Justin
Guest
RR - this the inside word or has it been announced somewhere???
Justin
Guest
He would be a very nice pick up. Rate him highly, has poise and class.
Rockin Rod
Guest
yeah both Melb and Brumbies missed out on pocock
Rockin Rod
Guest
Rebels deal with Gerrardo all but done and he looks like bringing with him his cousin. Big Cliffy Palu I think their is a bigger reason to why Hynes and Cooper havent announced where they will play next year