Rebels 2018

[GoMelbRebels]

It certainly is. On paper, the playing squad appear to be the strongest powerhouse in Australia and I expect most Rebels fans (like me) are looking forward to thrashing a few opponents (read Tahs and Reds for a start) so why doesn't a corporate want to associate with what should be a very solid team? I can only suggest that the spectre of private ownership weighs the clubs potential down. Since Mr Cox acquired the club he immediately transferred the business ownership from MRRU Ltd to MRRU Pty Ltd and was no longer forced to publish his annual reports. The Senate inquiry unearthed some interesting cash flows from the ARU to MRRUPL and out to Imperium and its related companies - all good for a private company. Rebels is now owned by the VRU, a community based organisation and it is still a private company which does not have to lodge financial statements. Who are the Directors? - largely the same group who were before Imperium came aboard and there is a big cross over with the VRU Board too. Could it be that some corporates would like to see transparency in the financial reports rather find out later that the MRRUPL Board members who have private companies and trusts have siphoned off their millions in "consultancy fees" . Just saying

While the squad looks very good on paper, the issue in getting a major sponsor is many would be looking at past results and with 2017 being our worst season on record, we need to be able to show we have actually improved before a sponsor hands over their cash. Success breeds success.

 

[neilc]

Oddly I went to the Rebels website and on the right hand side under Player Profiles Jordy Reid was featured! On their Team page it would seem all of the incoming (new to Rebels) players don't have photos - even the likes of Genia, DHP and Adam Coleman - isn't he the captain? Surely it can't be that hard to get photos up?

 

[swingpass]

Oddly I went to the Rebels website and on the right hand side under Player Profiles Jordy Reid was featured! On their Team page it would seem all of the incoming (new to Rebels) players don't have photos - even the likes of Genia, DHP and Adam Coleman - isn't he the captain? Surely it can't be that hard to get photos up?

yeah he has been on the front page(and remains there) but no longer on the playing list page. they have the photos, look at the Getty pictures website under Rebels, just not uploaded to the Rebels page yet. don't know why. i suspect they are waiting till the official launch on Friday night

 

[James Pettifer]

While the squad looks very good on paper, the issue in getting a major sponsor is many would be looking at past results and with 2017 being our worst season on record, we need to be able to show we have actually improved before a sponsor hands over their cash. Success breeds success.

Could also be a gamble from the Rebels on expecting better performance and crowds during the year thus leading to being more attractive to sponsors and thus getting a higher sponsorship amount.

 

[lou75]

Could also be a gamble from the Rebels on expecting better performance and crowds during the year thus leading to being more attractive to sponsors and thus getting a higher sponsorship amount.

It is not in the Rebels interests to hold off signing up a sponsor - I can't believe they would be holding them back from signing up as sponsors for any reason, much less because they think the team will attract bigger crowds leading to getting higher sponsorship amounts. This would suggest that at the end of the season (when we win) that would be the time to sign up as a sponsor ! No, that doesn't make sense to me.

 

[mst]

Could also be a gamble from the Rebels on expecting better performance and crowds during the year thus leading to being more attractive to sponsors and thus getting a higher sponsorship amount.

Great plan. Ignore potential income that could be signed via a one year sponsorship arrangement to start negotiation from a position of nothing sponsorship wise, poorer financial position and possibly already rejected sponsors . WOW!

 

[199madmave]

Jordy is not contracted, nor delisted. His staying in Melbourne until his rehab is complete and than the Rebels will make a decision on him. Think it's called Work cover for the rest of us non professional sportsman. When you get injured in the work place they can't fire you etc etc.

I don't think there is any such thing as work cover for contracted rugby players. Once the contract expires the only support is from RUPA who cover medical bills for 2 years. Reid's best option is to rehab in Melbourne in a professional environment

 

[daz]

Great plan. Ignore potential income that could be signed via a one year sponsorship arrangement to start negotiation from a position of nothing sponsorship wise, poorer financial position and possibly already rejected sponsors . WOW!

You know that was just a random thought in an internet forum, rather than formal confirmation it is the Rebels actual strategy?

 

[GoMelbRebels]

Melbourne Rebels team for trial v Waratahs

Tetera Faulkner
Jordan Uelese
Jermaine Ainsley
Matt Philip
Adam Coleman (c)
Lopeti Timani
Angus Cottrell
Amanaki Mafi
Michael Ruru
Jack Debreczeni
Sefa Naivalu
Reece Hodge
Tom English (vc)
Jack Maddocks
Dane Haylett-Petty
Reserves:

Fereti Sa’aga
Mahe Vailanu
Sam Talakai
Trevor Hosea
Esei Ha’angana
Colby Fainga’a
Ross Haylett-Petty
Harrison Goddard
Tayler Adams
Kitione Ratu
Sione Tuipulotu
David Horwitz
Semisi Tupou
Dom Shipperley
Pone Fa’amasili

Wessels and the club’s medical staff have opted for a cautious approach to the final trial with Will Genia (back), Marika Koroibete (knee) and Richard Hardwick (knee) given more time to overcome their injuries.

 

[Highlander35]

Interesting side named for the Tahs trial.

DHP, Maddocks, Engo, Hodge, Sefa, JD, Ruru, Faulkner, Uelese, Ainsley, Philip, Coleman, Timani, Cottrell, Mafi are the starters.

Fereti, Vailanu, Talakai, Hosea, Ha'angana, Fainga'a, RHP, Goddard, Adams, Ratu, Tuipulotu, Horwitz, Tupou, Shippers, Fa'amausili

Looks like a pair of XVs to me, with the starters being best available, and the reserves being a funny mix, unless guys like Leota, Rangi, Jeffries & Toolis have unspecified injuries or have already found themselves on the outer.

 

[Tex]

So much for Dom being cut.

 

[upthereds#!]

I knew cottrell had been training well but still would have thought a specialist 7 to start (Fainga'a) with utility (cottrell) off bench.

 

[Rebels3]

So much for Dom being cut.

Jordy is still around in some capacity as well, he was a representative of the Rebels (along with 3 others) for Melbourne Uni training the other day.

 

[Slim 293]

So much for Dom being cut.

Where did the information come from that these players had been cut?

Pama Fou was listed on the previous page in regards to the school allocations, and Shipperley had a profile article about him only a few days ago.

 

[swingpass]

Interesting side named for the Tahs trial.

DHP, Maddocks, Engo, Hodge, Sefa, JD, Ruru, Faulkner, Uelese, Ainsley, Philip, Coleman, Timani, Cottrell, Mafi are the starters.

Fereti, Vailanu, Talakai, Hosea, Ha'angana, Fainga'a, RHP, Goddard, Adams, Ratu, Tuipulotu, Horwitz, Tupou, Shippers, Fa'amausili

Looks like a pair of XVs to me, with the starters being best available, and the reserves being a funny mix, unless guys like Leota, Rangi, Jeffries & Toolis have unspecified injuries or have already found themselves on the outer.

Leota and Rangi are still in rehab, Jeffries has been training with the "A" crowd so perhaps injured, Toolis may be down the list. RHP, Sefa and Ainsley have recovered from injuries but havent had a run yet this year. No Parling, Weeks, Daley all still getting fit. also agree, only real surprise is starting both Timani and Cottrell perhaps playing off against each other for next week ?
edit and still no Meakes

 

[swingpass]

Where did the information come from that these players had been cut?

Pama Fou was listed on the previous page in regards to the school allocations, and Shipperley had a profile article about him only a few days ago.

if you look at the Rebels player lists on the website both are missing.

 

[GoMelbRebels]

Leota and Rangi are still in rehab, Jeffries has been training with the "A" crowd so perhaps injured, Toolis may be down the list. RHP, Sefa and Ainsley have recovered from injuries but havent had a run yet this year. No Parling, Weeks, Daley all still getting fit. also agree, only real surprise is starting both Timani and Cottrell perhaps playing off against each other for next week ?
edit and still no Meakes

According to rugby.com.au Meakes is still a few weeks off, due to injury.

 

[Hawko]

I knew cottrell had been training well but still would have thought a specialist 7 to start (Fainga'a) with utility (cottrell) off bench.

I think the coach wants to trial Cottrell as a south african style open side; ie. a big tough bruiser who can be fast to the tackle and counter-ruck rather than trying for the steal. Given the current reffing means jackals are penalty magnets, that's not necessarily a bad strategy.

 

[Rebels3]

I think the coach wants to trial Cottrell as a south african style open side; ie. a big tough bruiser who can be fast to the tackle and counter-ruck rather than trying for the steal. Given the current reffing means jackals are penalty magnets, that's not necessarily a bad strategy.

I think you might be right here, clearly the Rebels have built a team here to win the contact zone in attack and defense. I still suspect Fainga'a to start round 1 (he might have a knock as was named for the 10s but didn't get any minutes). Happy for Cottrell, was always a massive fan of his when he came onto the scene, but been one of the most unlucky players going around wiith the injuries, almost like Hugh McMeniman. On another note i think JD at 10 indicates which way round 1 might go with the 10 jersey

 

[Highlander35]

The other thing that hasn't been mentioned is the lineout: love them as we do, both Timani and Mafi are not frontline jumpers, and better used as occasional alternatives. With a very young hooker, the 3rd lineout option is crucial IMO, even with Philip and Coleman in the side.