elementfreak
Trevor Allan (34)
From the Rebels website.
Harlequins will be looking to bounce back from the disappointing 1 point loss in the 2016 Grand Final to make their 5th consecutive Grand Final in 2017. The coaching team headed by Pom Simona returns for 2017, with the addition of former Fijian international Jose Thomas taking over the S&C reigns.
Last Year: 2nd
Coaching Team: Head Coach – Pom Simona, Assistant Coaches – Cliff Viliamu & Leo Taliu
Captain: Angus Hamilton
Overview with Pom Simona:
“There were many positives from 2016, over 50 players tasted 1st grade rugby with many Colts getting the opportunity to learn what is expected to play 1st Grade which will ensure they are better for the experience.”
“The culture and work ethic that was already in place at the club remains strong and the focus on increasing the professionalism throughout the club will continue to ensure we improve both on and off the field. The senior players are instrumental in driving self-improvement not only with the players but to the coaches and management. This is the real success of the Melbourne Rising and Rebels 20’s programs and where we have been extremely fortunate to have so many players involved in the programs. Players are exposed to a professional rugby environment and can then return to the club with all they have learnt and share it with their teammates and coaches.”
Having said all that, we ultimately fell short in the Grand Final so that is a learning experience and one we need to improve from.
Key Areas of Improvement needed:
“Increasing our skills, game knowledge and fitness throughout the whole squad is definitely a priority. Rugby is still a basic game and the core factors of the game such as defence, set piece and game management are areas that constantly need improving and evolving which is an area that we let ourselves down on last year.”
Players to watch for 2017:
“Mahe Vailanu is still only a Colt, but coming into his 2nd year of 1st Grade will only see him improve. Playing at hooker, he has the skills, power and strength to play anywhere and always does it with a big smile on his face. Mahe has everything that is needed to play at the next level with some hard work. “
“Kelu Vaele was the competitions top try scorer in 2016 but missed the last part of the season and the finals due to injury, and he is determined to make amends in 2017. He has trained extensively in the off season with Mana Fitness and looks in great shape to make 2017 a big season.”
Harlequins will be looking to bounce back from the disappointing 1 point loss in the 2016 Grand Final to make their 5th consecutive Grand Final in 2017. The coaching team headed by Pom Simona returns for 2017, with the addition of former Fijian international Jose Thomas taking over the S&C reigns.
Last Year: 2nd
Coaching Team: Head Coach – Pom Simona, Assistant Coaches – Cliff Viliamu & Leo Taliu
Captain: Angus Hamilton
Overview with Pom Simona:
“There were many positives from 2016, over 50 players tasted 1st grade rugby with many Colts getting the opportunity to learn what is expected to play 1st Grade which will ensure they are better for the experience.”
“The culture and work ethic that was already in place at the club remains strong and the focus on increasing the professionalism throughout the club will continue to ensure we improve both on and off the field. The senior players are instrumental in driving self-improvement not only with the players but to the coaches and management. This is the real success of the Melbourne Rising and Rebels 20’s programs and where we have been extremely fortunate to have so many players involved in the programs. Players are exposed to a professional rugby environment and can then return to the club with all they have learnt and share it with their teammates and coaches.”
Having said all that, we ultimately fell short in the Grand Final so that is a learning experience and one we need to improve from.
Key Areas of Improvement needed:
“Increasing our skills, game knowledge and fitness throughout the whole squad is definitely a priority. Rugby is still a basic game and the core factors of the game such as defence, set piece and game management are areas that constantly need improving and evolving which is an area that we let ourselves down on last year.”
Players to watch for 2017:
“Mahe Vailanu is still only a Colt, but coming into his 2nd year of 1st Grade will only see him improve. Playing at hooker, he has the skills, power and strength to play anywhere and always does it with a big smile on his face. Mahe has everything that is needed to play at the next level with some hard work. “
“Kelu Vaele was the competitions top try scorer in 2016 but missed the last part of the season and the finals due to injury, and he is determined to make amends in 2017. He has trained extensively in the off season with Mana Fitness and looks in great shape to make 2017 a big season.”
