The Melbourne Rebels have bolstered their backline depth with the signing of Australian under-20s representative centre Lalakai Foketi.
The former Australian Schoolboys team member won a contract with the Super Rugby franchise after impressing coach Tony McGahan.
A graduate of Sydney rugby nursery, The King’s School, 19-year-old Lalakai has been added as a supplementary squad member.
“Lalakai has been a great addition to our club and playing group here in Melbourne,” McGahan said.
“I look forward to watching him grow as a full-time member of the squad, and I’m sure he will be ready for any opportunities that do come his way.”
Foketi, who plays with Manly in the Sydney competition, said he was eyeing a place in the main squad.
“Eventually getting into the main squad and maybe even pushing for the bench in a couple of games would be great,” he said.
“I really want to feature in the National Rugby Championships if possible and, hopefully, I can secure a full contract if I work hard over the course of the season.”
The Rebels play their first Super Rugby trial against the NSW Waratahs in Albury on February
RobC
Guest
Thanks RebelRangers: look forward to updates Thanks MarlinsTragic, good intel/insight. I mentioned Toomua because he's a good tackler and effective in BD*. I hope to see more backs getting more involved in this space. I believe having backs who make an impact over the ball is key to championship teams. As long as they are still v good in gaps & open space. *It was also great to see Toomua (95kg) run right over Twelvetrees (5kg heavier) in the England/EOYT match for a try. I was stunned to see (i) him do it without even trying a step. Just ran right over him (ii) he dared to try it out of nowhere. Then I recently watched the Brumbies / Lions replay. Toomua creamed 12trees in a tackle. I guess Toomua had the measure of him after that.
Marlins Tragic
Guest
@RobC, I watched him in a few colts games for Manly & he is very much a Tamoua type of player, although I saw him mainly in the centres, not at 5/8.
Justin3
Guest
Didnt look that big to the other guys there. Looks strong in contact and ready to offload if it is on. Certainly looks strong over the ball too.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Not really that impressed by that highlights package tbh. Looks strong in contact but hes big for u20s and that doesnt always follow through to the top level. Time will tell.
Rodknee
Guest
He is already 100kg and running around with the main team, will feature heavily in the trial games. With lack of depth of centres at Rebels , he will play Super Rugby this season if fit Highlights http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTaGL_fONUs
Rodknee
Guest
He is already 100kg and running around with the main team, will feature heavily in the trial games. With lack of depth of centres at Rebels , he will play Super Rugby this season if fit Highlights http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTaGL_fONUs
Jagman
Guest
Not if the Melbourne NRC team is essentially the Rebels minus Higginbotham.
RebelRangers
Guest
Defintiely. Was hoping the Rebels would sign on more Melbourne players. Hopefully someone I knew. I know that would get a few more people to matches. Especially if the NRC tickets are reasonably priced.
RebelRangers
Guest
I haven't seen him but hope he is a hard tackling (even at 95kg and technically sound) centre with lots of pace. I'll keep an eye out if he gets some minutes in the pre-season games.
RobC
Guest
Foketi seems to be a bit like Matt Toomua. A rucking, tackling 95kg back. Would be interested to know his skills as playmaker. Seems to relish running through the 12/13 channel especially when its crowded. Wondering how he performs in open space ie his speed, and finishing skills. Look forward to seeing him on the paddock.
onetruegame
Guest
Hoiles?
onetruegame
Guest
Hoiles?
onetruegame
Guest
Was it all the negative comments about him in the Roar that forced his hand? A good move for him, it seems, at this point. Though our stocks at the back of the scrum are not overflowing. I am disappointed for him that his international career started so late, went so well, the ended so soon. Well done Ben.
ohtani's jacket
Guest
What are the chances of Higginbotham, Palu and Pocock all being healthy at the same time? I'm not so sure Mowen would've been dropped.
RobC
Guest
As Rugger mentioned, less of a surprise and a smart move. He was discovered later in his career by Brumbies. Interested to see what another late bloomer of the same age, Fardy, will do. He is almost a certain WB starter.
atlas
Guest
Mowen. that's a surprise - saw mention in sports news quoting: 'convinced him it was time to put family first' or maybe 'convinced him it was time to put money first' ? Better to go now than wait another year, be a few players on the market post-RWC 2015 and if he had been dropped from Wallabies his market value would have dropped by then. Good luck to him.
Rugger
Guest
I reckon Mowen was smart in realizing with with Higgers and Pockock coming back his days in 23 was numbered let alone C beside his name. Take the $ while you can and good on him.
Atawhai Drive
Roar Guru
Good for the Rebels. In other news, the incumbent captain of the Wallabies is off to France after the Super Rugby season. If the skipper can go, anyone can.
Sam
Guest
The Rebels have certainly saved the bench warmers and fringe players from the Waratahs squad and the Shute Shield players who couldn't see the light of day. With the NRC coming hopefully we will see the Rebels having faith in Victorian Dewar Shield players.
Marlins Tragic
Guest
Nice to see a Manly Colts player making the next step & it's great to see that kids like this will now get a chance to been seen on a bigger stage withe the NRC if they don't get a chance on SR.