The Melbourne Rebels have extended Dave Wessels contract until the end of 2021 after he made enormous strides with the Super Rugby strugglers last year.
Freshly signed for two more seasons, Dave Wessels says the Super Rugby playoffs are a minimum requirement for the Melbourne Rebels this year.
South African-born Wessels will now remain in charge until at least the end of 2021 and will aim to build on last year’s heart-breaking ninth placing, when only points differential denied the Rebels a maiden playoff berth.
It was a vast improvement from a year earlier when the Rebels claimed the wooden spoon under predecessor Tony McGahan but Wessels won’t rest on his laurels.
The former Western Force head coach said the pain of last year’s finish, having sat inside the top eight for most of the season, had hung over him for months.
“We’ve looked pretty hard at our game. The disappointment on missing out at the last hurdle, that really stung,” Wessels told AAP.
“The reality is, we made a lot of mistakes last year so the only way we’re going to close the gap between ninth and where we ultimately want to finish will depend on if the guys really want to do that.”
Rebels chief executive Baden Stephenson said it was straightforward decision to extend the contract a year early.
He said the 35-year-old was a coach in demand elsewhere following last season’s vibrant campaign.
“The transformation of this club into a genuine high performance Rugby program during Dave’s tenure is nothing short of remarkable,” Stephenson said.
“His ability to inspire those around him, from assistant coaches to players and backroom staff, is a testament to the leader he is and he is still his own hardest taskmaster.”
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Who said I did? I can’t think of a better alternative thats not entrenched in a team. That makes me believe he’s better than the alternative. Which is who the Rebels need to weigh him up against.
Jacko
Guest
True but what makes you believe Wessels is one of them
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
The Crusaders had a replacement like Robertson on their doorstep literally, coaching a level below. What alternatives do the Rebels have on their doorstep?
Jacko
Guest
Well it wouldnt have been wise for the Crusaders to sign up Blackadder so I dont see it as being different for Wessels.....The Crusaders have no regrets in letting Blackadder go as the replacement has won 2 in a row.....maybe Wessels replacement could have been great...maybe he would have been crap...we will never know.....we will only know what Wessels does
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
And yet a NH team were offering a motza to get him... Probably wise for the Rebels to lock Wessels in before some NH team with more money than sense does the same and leaves them scrambling for an even less credentialed coach.
Jacko
Guest
Yeah prime example......just because you coach in the SH does not make you a good coach....Blackadder failed as far as I can see and Razor has proven that.....Blackadder not doing so great in NH from what i gather either
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Well you know, points is the only thing that stops any team getting a playoff berth
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
How many titles did Blackadder win?
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
What’s not to get? There’s very few decent coaches on the market in Australia.
Hertryk
Roar Rookie
'when only points differential denied the Rebels a maiden playoff berth'....what a shame the Western Force wasn't shown the same empathy when only points denied them too of a play off??
Jacko
Guest
Agree Doc....But thats also a mystery.....Wessels has no titles to his name at any level as far as I know so is mediocrity what these OS teams are looking for in their coaches? Potential? Were they sniffing around for an assistant? I dont get it!
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
European clubs sniffing around
Andre
Guest
I have to agree.
Jacko
Guest
I dont get this signing....The first thing i would have done is waited until half way thru this year as he has yet to achieve anything at all....The Rebels had a pretty good squad last year and failed to reach the finals and the rugby played last year seemed to rely a lot on Mafi having a good game. This year is pretty much half the Aus team down in Melbourne so he should have them top of the conference and 3rd or 4th on the ladder over all. Dont get me wrong....I think he is a good future coach I just dont get the rush to sign him when he is already signed for this year
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Yep - good move by the Rebels. Wessels SEEMS ti jave the attributes to coach at national level within the nect 5 years. Gibson and MacKellat seem pretty adequate Super coaches whilst Thorn just have the ability. Just his press conferences are an embarrassment to any. He needs to take a course in effective communication. Be interesting to see Weasels and the teams success this year, particularly with the playing roster at his disposal. How he manages Quade will also be under close scrutiny. This should be a great year for the Rebels, but I still have lots of reservations.
SweatyProp
Roar Rookie
It is good to see a younger coach building his career and learning his craft. The longer he keeps away from the doubtful management group at Rugby Australia the better, why anyone would rush to embrace that experience is beyond me. Hopefully it will be remembered that he has invested in his career and that like all good coaches he will have wins and losses where he can learn and develop. Good luck!