Wallabies five-eighth Matt Toomua was granted an early release by English rugby union giants Leicester following his request to join up immediately with Melbourne Rebels.
Toomua’s contract was due to end after the climax of Leicester’s domestic campaign and he was originally inked to play in the final Premiership game of the campaign against Bath on Saturday.
But he has already returned to Australia a week early to link up with the Rebels with the full permission of the Tigers.
And with regular playmaker Quade Cooper in doubt for the Rebels’ Super Rugby match against the Bulls on Friday night, fly-half Toomua could even find himself thrust into action earlier than expected by his new employers.
Cooper was momentarily knocked out after copping an accidental knee to the head when tackling Queensland skipper Samu Kerevi at AAMI Park on Friday during a 30-24 win.
The 31-year-old stylist will be given until Wednesday to prove his recovery after going through concussion protocols but even if he does get the green light, he may be sidelined to ensure he’s 100 per cent with the finals looming – opening the door for Toomua.
The Rebels had only been hopeful of having him on board in time for Friday’s showdown against the Bulls, with the round-15 clash against the Sunwolves in Tokyo on May 26 appearing to be more likely.
But the chances of an early introduction into the fray have been boosted after Toomua checked in for duty at his new club on Monday.
“Matt Toomua flew back to Australia on Sunday and has already trained with the Rebels as they continue their Super Rugby campaign,” a Leicester club statement released on Monday read.
His early return to the Rebels, with whom he has signed a two-and-a-half year deal, is good news for Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, who sees Toomua as a key member of his World Cup plans later this year.
The versatile 29-year-old was signed in 2016 but joined at a difficult time in Leicester’s history, culminating in this season’s struggle against relegation.
The 33-Test Wallabies star escaped a red card for making a tip tackle on his debut against Glasgow but he missed most of the campaign anyway because of a knee injury.
Leicester fans voted him player of the year for 2018-19 because of his vision and range of passing. He made a total for 41 appearances for the Tigers.
Olly
Roar Rookie
Well NSW has a 7s fullback pretending to be a 10......
Olly
Roar Rookie
I would pick Lukhan as well and be tempted to start him over Arnold. Just a better ball carrier and I feel we are lacking this in our back row options.
Double Agent
Guest
For a side with a lot of names they've not been very impressive.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Is an old fashioned term from the days of guilds. Was recognition that apprenticeship had been served and you were a qualified tradesman but still an employee and not an independent master craftsman
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Thanks, Still a bit of an insult. My mistake, I thought it was term for players that jumped from franchise to franchise. Thus the journey... Ha, yes I was thinking the same thing, but wanted to suggest that Cheika selects Journeymen.
Olly
Roar Rookie
A bit rich looking at how the Australian Super Rugby teams have been going plus the Wallabies. I think the Wallabies could have been relegated down to Super Rugby....
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
It means someone who does the job in a reliable workman like fashion but doesn't perform exceptionally. He does the job. That's not a slur. Most Super Rugby players are journeymen.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
So what does it mean? and why use it?
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Yep agree
Rhys Bosley
Roar Pro
His defence has improved a lot. He can still get run around by a more agile player, but you don't see the big errors in defensive judgement nearly as often as used to happen.
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
Journeyman is a slur? Not everyone is a superstar, that doesn't make it a slur.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Probably with the money that previously paid for: Colby Fainga’a James Hanson Mitch Inman Sean McMahon Amanaki Mafi Sefa Naivalu Jonah Placid Jordy Reid Siliva Siliva Toby Smith Laurie Weeks Nic Stirzaker Jack Debreczeni who were all either recruited from other teams so followed good offers, or were high profile Rebels and have left since 2017. But I'm tipping you're only watching the incoming, and don't care about the losses.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
So, probably better suited as a fullback. Not sure where the journeyman slur is coming from.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Historically, his defensive tackling has been a bit weak. Has this improved in the last 18 months?
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Great point, I see Gordon and Ian Prior as those sorts of players.
Mick
Guest
He has better hands than Foley.
Jeansyjive
Roar Rookie
Be interesting to see how all these players are fitting in the Rebels "salary cap". The money being plowed into the Rebels is incredible.
Rhys Bosley
Roar Pro
Agreed regarding him playing to his strengths Rob and I wouldn't be surprised if he had been coached to do that at the Reds. Even when he just crashes it up from first receiver and recycles he always creates space which his team can exploit on the next phase, the Sorovi try against the Highlanders is a classic example of this. Regarding his play making, I actually think his short kicking game is a bigger strength than his passing. He has set up his team in good attacking position on a number of occasions since he has been with the Reds and the Wallabies, by accurately popping the ball into the opposition corner and forcing the opposing back to kick for touch. A well positioned attacking lineout has been the result which has paid off on a number of occasions.
Don
Roar Rookie
Poor choice of words boys. I agree Kerevi has more skills than that. I was expressing more the option he provides compared with a Toomua or Beale. And whilst Hunt will certainly truck it up at 12, he isn’t the same threat Kerevi is.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Agree, Kerevi’s certainly not limited to “crash-ball” – although few are better at it. I don’t have stats to back it but it’s probably fair to say more of Kerevi’s passes are made after contact than before contact, but I think that’s simply him playing to an obvious strength – he gets at least partly through the first D line almost 100% of the time, enough to get the arms free for a judicious offload, and in the meantime has taken at least one defender out of the play and often 2, because his half-break draws attention from a spare defender. He’s not throwing as many passes before the line to hole-runners, eg like Cooper, but he’s “making” as many “plays”.