Brumbies halfback Joe Powell has jumped ship to the Melbourne Rebels, who have announced a mass exodus of nine players.
Currently with the Wallabies in New Zealand, preparing for the Bledisloe Cup, Powell fills a vacancy left in Melbourne with the departure of Ryan Louwrens back to Japan.
While Powell is the Super Rugby club’s first signing for 2021, the Rebels have confirmed a large turnover of players with eight heading to Japan.
The club’s most capped player, Tom English, and veteran hooker Anaru Rangi, who both missed the Super Rugby AU season, are among the departures as well as winger Andrew Kellaway, five-eighth Andrew Deegan, lock Michael Stolberg and youngsters Esei Haangana and Semisi Topou.
Wallabies lock Matt Philip will play with French Top 14 side for the 2020-21 season.
Powell and fellow Wallabies halfback Nic White have both been tussling for the starting jersey at the Brumbies and the 26-year-old will be guaranteed of more game time with the Rebels.
With 73 appearances for the Brumbies after making his debut in 2015, Powell started for the Canberra team in last month’s Super Rugby AU title win over Queensland.
“To play one time for the club was incredible, but to play 73 times and go out winning a trophy is a special feeling and I’ve enjoyed every minute of my time with the club,” Powell said in a statement.
“I’m happy to be continuing my career in Australia and I’m looking forward to a new challenge in Melbourne.”
Melbourne coach Dave Wessels said he was looking forward to working with Powell.
“We’ve obviously played against Joe many times over the years and know just what a competitor he is,” Wessels said.
“Aside from the skill and intensity he brings on the field, it’s obvious that he’s a good team man. He’s a great fit for Melbourne.”
Zander Hoskin
Roar Rookie
Even as a diehard brumbies fan I am happy that Joe Powell is leaving. While I thought he was very good, I didn't want to see his talent wasted playing second fiddle to Nic White. Matt Philip is a huge loss, was turning into a world class second rower. Joins Arnold, Coleman, Skelton and Carter as Australian locks not playing in or for Australia.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
How?
jeznez
Roar Guru
The only Rising match I watched was the game against the Vikings, he scored an ok try late in the match. Probably should have been penalised for standing up with the ball after being tackled but the ref took pity and ruled he'd never been held by I think Muirhead. Rising had been getting pummelled and this was a bit of consolation late in the match. He'd had a fair bit of work to do, got the ball middle of the field about 15m out and went over in the corner. Certainly was the opposite of a direct line.
JSJ
Roar Rookie
As a Force fan, I would rather have Fines than Powell. He was brilliant for the Force last year in the NRC.
terrykidd
Roar Pro
Kellaway is off to Japan
Gepetto
Roar Rookie
Great buy by the Rebels. They should try to get Cottrel back too.
soapit
Roar Guru
right, will need someone else at 15 for this to work
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
Marist boy eh? That explains a lot (positive for me). What does the Brums game plan require of the 9? Fast to the breakdown and an accurate, fast pass. Perhaps the Rebs game plan will show that Powell has the skills that appear to be lacking.
gatesy
Roar Guru
I'm a bit gutted by this news, though I understand it and, no disrespect to Nic White. I've watched Joe since his school boy days at Marist Canberra. Suspect he would have liked to remain a Brumby, but the cards don't always fall where you want them to. He is a player that has earned everyone's respect and that is because he is great man of Champagnat. Nuff said. Go well Joe, and if you get a start in the Tests, go for it. We love the way that you play.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Yeah I think the same. Showed promise. He’s a big body and looks like he can defend. I don’t hate the idea of him in one wing and Koroibete on the other.
bigtree.smallaxe
Roar Rookie
Kellaway is going back to Japan
bigtree.smallaxe
Roar Rookie
What are your thoughts on Pincus TWAS? I know we didn't see much of him but I thought he showed some promise. Looking forward to next season.
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Precisely! As I say all the time on The Roar.. we are entitled to your opinion!
soapit
Roar Guru
proper outside the square, no idea if it would work. just always seemed like a lot of fullbacks could make a fist of 10. dreams of larkham perhaps. i kinda have toomua as a 12 playing 10 so thought why not make it a 15 playing 10 instead if that allows more other pieces to fall in place. . anyway i dont have to face the consequences of following through with these types of ideas fortunately.
The Late News
Roar Rookie
DHP at 10? Interesting..
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Magic!
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Powell was also great in the final
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
At least one of us does :laughing:
Markus
Roar Rookie
Sleepy is a bit harsh on Powell. A couple of quiet games this year has been the exception to the consistency he has brought the last several seasons. He is not an explosive ball running threat or prolific kicker which is going to limit development potential, but he remains the quickest to the breakdown and cleanest passer of any of the Australian scrumhalves. He was influential again in getting the Brumbies a lead against the Reds in the GF. Lonergan was poor against QLD but so were the majority of the team, they were already soundly behind before he ever made the field. He has shown some great play in previous games, and looks to be one of the strongest goal kickers in Aus which is a bonus.
Chrisso
Guest
Stage 4 lock down Melbourne is still livelier than Canberra. :laughing: