While they wait for the playing future of Israel Folau and Mark Gasnier to be decided, the Melbourne Rebels have added a further three names to their Super rugby squad.
Former representative second-rower Alister Campbell, former Force back James Hilgendorf and young Queensland prop Heath Tessman have signed on with the new franchise, which will join the expanded competition from next year.
Giant centre Folau is torn between remaining with the Brisbane Broncos, playing rugby with the Rebels or joining AFL expansion team Greater Western Sydney, and said he would make his decision this month with Rebels officials still hopeful.
They are also still waiting on a decision from Gasnier, who has been playing rugby in France, although he’s reportedly set to return to the NRL.
Melbourne are also negotiating with former Australian league representative Luke Rooney, who has been playing for French club Toulon for the last two seasons.
Hilgendorf will return to Australia from playing in Japan with Kobe Steel and impressed Rebels assistant coach Damien Hill with his versatility and experience.
“Jimmy will be a huge asset to the Melbourne Rebels,” Hill said.
“He has the ability to cover 10, 12 and 15, possesses a strong kicking and passing game and has the size and footwork to play at the line in attack.”
Campbell, who played four Tests for the Wallabies in 2005, previously played for NSW and the Brumbies before moving to France with Montpellier.
Forwards coach Mark Bakewell rated highly the 30-year-old’s leadership qualities.
“Another captain in the ranks, he’s an incredibly positive and enthusiastic guy, a great leader and organiser around lineout,” Bakewell said.
“He’s going to be a great addition to the foundation group.”
Tessman, currently with the Queensland Reds Academy squad, can play hooker and loose head.
The trio bring the squad size to 18.
Melbourne Rebels: Peter Betham, Adam Byrnes, Alister Campbell, Danny Cipriani, Sam Cordingley, Tim Davidson, Gareth Delve, Adam Freier, James Hilgendorf, Luke Jones, Richard Kingi, Hoani Macdonald, Lachlan Mitchell, Stirling Mortlock, Jarrod Saffy, Greg Somerville, Heath Tessman, Laurie Weeks.
The Baron
Guest
Given that their current outside back signings are all under the age of 23 (Cipriani, Betham, & Mitchell) I would say they already have a couple of youngsters.
uni no1
Guest
bad news. he is not a good player at all. kicks well out of the hand. but thats about it. well done to come back from the brain problem but is just not upto it. oh and he has always been scared of the rough stuff! bad signing. what a pity. should have signed a couple of youngsters for the same price!
The Baron
Guest
Julian Huxley just announced as their latest signing.
Red Rooster
Guest
Cambell has started only 15 games out of 70 in two seasons of French rugby playing for the 3rd last team - he really is in good form
Rockin Rod
Guest
Throw in Quade Cooper ,Hynes and Gerrardo and the Rebels will win a few games
Rockin Rod
Guest
Go the westeies parra matters, more importantly i hope Jimmy comes back to the mighty woodies. Will they be playing club rugby in sydney??? Jimmy can bring Tessman too. UP THE WOODIES
inkosi
Roar Rookie
Don't know about that Kidney - reckon the Lions are deeply embedded in the wooden spoon spot have been for a while now so at the very least that will be one win for the rebels..
Kidney
Guest
Surely this is a bunch of hacks, has-beens and never-weres? They must have inside running for last place already.
lucyfanclub
Guest
No more league signings please. Instead of spending gabillions on a Folau, spend it on 3 or 4 up and coming RUGBY players.
inkosi
Roar Rookie
That squad is coming together nicely, with three teams in the top half of the comp this year the Rebels should be competitive from the go.
ncart
Guest
Great to get James Hilgendorf back - I remember him doing really well for the Western Force when he moved into the number 10 role until he got taken out in a very nasty tackle that I think fractured an eye socket. Good to be getting players like this back into Australia, the Rebels are shaping up to have some very good players, and who knows what young players might emerge when given the opportunity - look at the Reds this year and how some of those guys have stepped up. I really hope that the Rebels put some emphasis on developing rugby in Victoria and promoting the game there outside of the private schools and expat communities. Imagine some of the talented kids in that state that at this point only see AFL as their future, and may never quite have what it takes to make that cut, but may be well suited to rugby - if you get an awareness of the game early enough then it becomes an option, and therefore increases the talent pool for rugby to choose from.
parra matters
Guest
ive think he is his nephew. another western sydney product in hilgendorf signing. thats great news.
Brett McKay
Guest
guys, is Heath Tessman any relation to former Queenland Origin backrower Brad?? Some good signings there for the Rebels, Al Campbell especially. They've got a reasonable squad forming down there...
jameswm
Guest
Campbell is a solid player and quality person. Good signing So we have something like 15 Danny Cipriani 14 Lachlan Mitchell 13 Stirling Mortlock 12 11 Peter Betham 10 James Hilgendorf 9 Richard Kingi, Sam Cordingley 8 Tim Davidson 7 Gareth Delve 6 5 Alister Campbell 4 Adam Byrnes 3 Laurie Weeks 2 Adam Freier 1 Greg Somerville Also the following who I don't know: Luke Jones Hoani Macdonald Jarrod Saffy Heath Tessman
Conrad Rines
Guest
I was calling for tessman to get a run with the reds earlier this year! good move by him and the rebels. the guy is a machine! freier will start the season but tessman will be the hooker by seasons end.
red heavies
Guest
Good stuff from Tessman. Last time I saw him he was runing round in uni 3's and drinking beers professionally