I thought I would try to see how well the Melbourne Rebels signings are going, and I must say, they’re building a pretty decent squad.
There’s an eclectic mix of experience and youth. The Rebels, of course, have one of the smartest, shrewdest and most successful coaches in the game in Rod MacQueen.
He won’t be putting his reputation on the chopping block without giving the super 15 one almighty shake. However, the squad is typical MacQueen.
He’s building a group of players that he hopes will leave a lasting legacy to future generations. Just as he did at the Brumbies.
The following appears to be the squad to date:
Props – Rod Blake, Nic Henderson, Greg Somerville, Laurie Weeks.
Hookers – Adam Freier, Heath Tessman.
Locks – Adam Byrnes, Alister Campbell, Luke Jones, Kevin O’Neill.
Backrowers – Tim Davidson, Gareth Delve, Michael Lipman, Hoani MacDonald, Jarrod Saffy.
Scrumhalfs – Sam Cordingley, Richard Kingi.
Flyhalfs – James Hilgendorf.
Centres – Mark Gerrard, Lachlan Mitchell, Stirling Mortlock.
Wingers – Peter Bethan, Luke Rooney, Cooper Vuna.
Fullbacks – Danny Cipriani, Julian Huxley.
So far that’s 15 forwards and 11 backs. I don’t know if Rooney has been confirmed yet.
There’s also plenty of utility value in the backline, and some guys might end up in other positions.
The coaching staff is pretty hot – Rod MacQueen (head coach), Damian Hill (assistant coach), Nathan Grey (defence coach), Mark Bakewell (forwards coach), Ben Darwin (scrum coach).
Can anyone else think of others who have been signed?
bazza
Guest
A plucky 10th would be a good season
Rockin Rod
Guest
no idea hey
Rockin Rod
Guest
They are chasing the Aussie 20s cente Cam Mitchell from NSW Academy
Rockin Rod
Guest
would that be for the FORCE
uni no1
Guest
no he wont! you have no idea.
uni no1
Guest
i have seen holmes playing recently for the warringah rats and really seems to be out of his depth in sydney club rugby. he is no where near the standard of that tessmann from UQ! holmes has had his chance at the professional level and could step up. oh and keep an ear out for brock james return to australia shortly.
rugbyskier
Guest
You should check the S12 results JTM, the Brumbies finished 5th in the inaugural Super 12 season with 7 wins and 4 losses. The Brumbies actually had one more win that the 4th placed Natal Sharks, but the Sharks had 9 bonus points to the Brumbies' 4 points so they finished the regular season 33 points to 32.
rugbyskier
Guest
I think you should check the S12 records JTM. The Brumbies finished 5th in the inaugural season of the Super 12 with 7 wins. They had one more win than the Natal Sharks who finished 4th, but the Sharks had 9 bonus points to the Brumbies' 4, so finished 33 points to 32.
rugbyskier
Guest
I wonder who listens to 104.7 in the afternoon?
bazza
Guest
a plucky 10th place will be a good result in their first year
Spencer
Guest
I suspect it was Rudd's great grandfather who imposed the tax. history repeating itself?
sheek
Guest
Hi Sammy, Firstly, MacQueen was in a much better position in 1996 than he is in for 2011. Some of the 'leftovers' he picked up for the Brumbies were really top-notch - Ewen McKenzie, Pato Noreiga, David Giffin, Owen Finegan & David Knox for example, while Brett Robinson was an outstanding inaugural captain to have onboard. He also had another enormous advantage not enjoyed by the Rebels - there was a core of outstanding locally produced ACT talent, led by George Gregan, Joe Roff, Steve Larkham, Rod Kafer & Marco Caputo. I can't comment on how many of the Rebels signings are homegrown. Unfortunately, it wouldn't be very many at all. But no matter..... There is a point about the quality of the Rebels squad that is being missed. Yes, Stirling Mortlock has been so ravaged by injury, he might not play too many on-field matches at all. But what's more important, is the personal qualities he will bring to the organisation off-field. You can't put a price on his potential off-field contribution. The same applies to guys like Greg Somerville, Adam Freier & Julian Huxley, who are apparently outstanding human beings. In the beginning, while it's important to enjoy some on-field success, it's more important about building the legacy for future generations of players. At the WA Force in 2006, they were blessed to have a great foundation captain in Nathan Sharpe (still there) & first buy Brendan Cannon. Your foundation players - coach, captain, key players, are so critically important. Instant success is almost impossible. What is critical is how you build for the future. The outstanding personal qualities of players in your inaugural squad set the template for future generations. And hopefully, with this, future success.
Colin N
Guest
Gareth Delve is an excellent signing. He would have had a lot more Welsh caps had it not been for injuries and fitness concerns. With him playing less games and on the harder grounds, he should do well.
Sammy22
Guest
Sheek My memory rusty as it is, tells me the Brumbies started with a strong flavour of 'left over' players. Players that had good qualities but didnt fit NSW or QLD. Rod Mc collected these players and threw in some young ones and created a culture that then created superstars and winning team. Some of the older players had short time there but culturally high impact. It appears the same, create a team and environment that will attract other quality and young players very quickly and similar model is born. I agree they may not be superstars (although a lot of international experience) but the depth of quality is great. Many would argue Sam Cordingley was just around internationally at the wrong time to develop to his best with GG around, but a lot he can pass to KIngi, to point one example. One question, I may have missed above are any of the players Victorian, hasten to add don't see it as critical just wandered if they were
JTM
Guest
Here Here. You work with what you've got. What's the benchmark for new teams in their opening season eh? The Brumbies came next to last in their first season, Force went almost winless, Cheetahs a spot above the Force. Then there is always the Lions...if the central core of the Rebels training regime is a race to finish a 30 rack of Resch's beer for the captain's run, then I would be worried of the Rebels being the worse team in the comp. The Rebels first season will be ok at best, ok at worst too.
JTM
Guest
Looking forward to O'Neill running out. A good, honest, tough bastard to get through the grind. Not sure how old he is these days though, and was pretty sure he must have retired from injuries.
Justin
Guest
This is hilarious.... there are 9 internationals, nuff said. Whats the point in signing dud just because they are available? Agree backrow at the moment is the weak link (or so it appears) though Lipman has been capped 7 times for England hasnt he so must be able to play at this level. The backline has virtually all played Test rugby and the front row similar. Lemon? No thanks
hog
Roar Rookie
May not be star studded but still looks a useful squad, to many people expect instant success theses days the real test for the rebels will be to cement their place in victoria the longterm potential is huge imagine if a local boy can make the starting line-up in the first few years that would be worth more than signing half a dozen Israel Folau,s
sheek
Guest
Thanks Brett, I actually enjoyed that - brought a chuckle to myself.....
Ronnie P
Guest
Justin, I am not stating who I would have liked them to get. Personally I'm not a fan of Carter or Phibbs, I am merely stating who was available, most of whom they went after and failed to sign. Hunt and Israel are two of the most gifted footballers in the country you lemon. Any side would be far better off with them in. Clearly you missed the circus of Folau being courted by Melbourne. Tell me what quality they have signed? I would love for you to enlighten me with how their back row is going to compete next year. Please don't try and compare Matfield and Thorn with Al Campbell and Adam Byrnes. Seriously? Yes class players can play into their 30's but where is the class?