There’s been plenty of banter from the media about our culture, and I’d like to just say that what has been reported as “fact” couldn’t be further from the truth.
We’re a club with players from all walks of life, and the Rebels have worked hard to establish a great culture around the club. I’m loving it here.
Having such a quality player like Kurtley Beale sign on with us shows the rugby world where we want to be and that we have a desire to be the best.
We feel the New South Wales bias against us, and we’re always going to cop that flak, but it’s all part of what is a rivalry that will grow and grow.
I don’t know much about the talk around James O’Connor and Quade Cooper, but the Rebels aren’t in the competition to make up the numbers, and we’ve been able to let our game do the talking.
Admittedly, sometimes we’re terrible, and we’ve copped it for having a trait of turning up one week, and going missing the next.
It’s tough being so on and off, and we’ve talked a lot recently about consistency. We’ll need to make sure we’re on when taking on the Blues this weekend as we’re on their turf and face a tough test on the road.
News greeted me this week that I’ve been nominated Super Rugby player of the year. Obviously, it’s good to get recognition but in terms of what it means for getting back into the Wallabies, I haven’t gone that far. I’ll keep doing my best week in week out for the Rebels.
The coaches asked me to move into the 13 jumper in the last week, after trying it out at training. I originally played at outside-centre years ago as a junior, and previously with Stirling Mortlock, so it’s been really good to get back there.
I’ve enjoyed getting my hands on the ball more, and we’re good solid pairing with myself and big Stirling hitting the line. I’m looking forward to it again this week against the Blues, and will be watching the Waratahs versus Reds game closely as we take on both in the next two weeks.
Rockin Rod
Guest
Mark, you have come back to play in the RWC. Do you think playing centre will hurt your chances or improve your chances as Robbie knows what you can do at #15?
RC97
Guest
Can I ask what your view on playing in the centre for Australia is? -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Die hard
Roar Rookie
Hi Mark. Despite the fact I support the Blues I hope you go well. Your one of the toughest backs arround and I like you in the centers. I know most think fullbacks the go but you can have a better imput on the shape of the game from center and you go very well there. You have got to develop a faster kick though. There is not time for a big wind up in the centers. Maybe you only have to stab it along the line and chase hard instead of putting it out. Anyway, good luck at the Rebels. I think in time they will become Oz's best third team and everyones second favorite. The Force and Bumblies will die off leaving three strong teams and a couple of feeders for them.
Deez
Guest
Gotta agree - love your boot and solid defence at 15. Hope the positional shift works for you guys. Will be watching tongiht - best of luck.
Harry
Guest
Like Rod and Vaguely, and from the comfort of the armchair and computer, IMO its better if you are at 15 and Julian Huxley at 12 or 13 (clearly you need a strong defender next to Cips though). Anyway I know you blokes love to build up the seige mentality but most rugby supporters I speak to in Sydney and Brissy are hoping the Rebels do well, and have been impressed by the performances this year, all be they patchy. The Sydneysiders are in a huff about Beale, understandably enough. Good luck tonight. Attack their set pieces and your a show I reckon.
Max
Guest
Yemen as well I heard p.Tah? Dunno where they find the time
p.Tah
Guest
Good luck tonight Mark. I hope you knockoff the Blues. One concern I do have relates to the teams' off field exploits. I think it could be a distraction. Im all for toppling mad dictators, but it has to take it's toll on the team. I'm forever reading about 'the rebels in Lybia'. Perhaps less paramilitary activity and more focus on rugby ;)
Rockin Rod
Guest
Good luck tonight Mark. I agree prefer you at #15 so you can utilse your kicking skills and vision, but ROD knows best
vaguely
Roar Pro
Of all the combinations we have seen with the Rebels, my favorite was with you at 15 and Huxley at 12. Your kicking game from the back won the match. It provided the relief the defence needed to hold on and win. Huxley also surprised me at 12, and I thought he looked more suited there than at 15. Oh well, I'm just an armchair critic, your coach is one of the best in the business. let's hope her proves me wrong.