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Having written a comment around six months ago slamming the recruitment strategy of the Melbourne Rebels, I finally feel vindicated. Granted, this was their first professional game and it was against a strong opposition, but what a disappointing outing in front of such terrific support.
My main concern is that they have assembled a very average squad, which is alarmingly old. I want to know what they are building towards?
It is one thing to have an inexperienced squad go through a transitional period, but this team will be washed up within two years and there is no sign of the next crop coming through, bar one or two players.
They have picked up notoriously injury-prone guys like Frier, Mortlock, Huxley – a decision that has already started to bite them in the backside.
There are obviously issues with Cipriani. I will put my mortgage on him leaving at the end of this season.
Can someone tell me why is Vuna playing inside-centre? He was a wing in the NRL. He can hit the ball up but he is not a second five.
I just don’t understand the point in getting second-rate Kiwis like Hoani McDonald who aren’t any good and are bloody old.
If you’re going to raid players from overseas, why wouldn’t you get promising young players who will be around for more than a couple of seasons?
Given the Brumbies already have Giteau, how could they not snare Coleman, Toomua or Laelifano? Guys playing this weekend who are still on Academy deals – Ita Vaea, Aidan Toua, Chris Alcock, Beau Robinson. These guys are making 15,000 max this season. They could easily have picked them up.
Look at the Force backrow – McCalman, Pocock, Hodgson, Brown. One of those will miss out. Make a play for him. Liam Gill from Queensland, a future star. I could go on and on.
Their second team, Rebel Rising, doesn’t have a huge amount of talent either, so I’m very interested to see what they do in the coming seasons.
To be honest it blows my mind as to what these guys are doing. I notice that the backroom staff is pretty much Sydney Uni guys looking after one another and are so clearly not the best candidates for the job.
Would love to hear from my boys Sheek and Brett McKay, who were particularly vocal in expressing their praise of this squad.
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.