Rebels 2014

[James Buchanan]

The Brumbies already invite local players to train with the squad....

I'm pretty sure every super club has local players training with the squad in some manner. The Rebels have done so since year 1.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Haha, to be fair i'm not sure which side im on. I want to see a strong Australian conference, but also a very strong Tahs team. Whatever team he goes to he will add great depth and potential.

Not saying anything against Horwitz, but I thought Saifoloi clearly outplayed him yesterday. Is Rohan signed up by anybody?

 

[Fowi]

Not saying anything against Horwitz, but I thought Saifoloi clearly outplayed him yesterday. Is Rohan signed up by anybody?

Completely agree Rohan Saifoloi was very good yesterday. Horwitz threw one brilliant pass but didn't have much of a chance behind a beaten forward pack.

No Rohan hasn't been signed by anyone, although he seriously should be because he is a classy 5/8. Yesterday his goal-kicking was pretty poor but generally he has a very good boot.

The Rebels should definitely sign one of them.

 

[James Buchanan]

Other than the argument of "its easier to look good behind a better forward pack" one must also consider that Horwitz probably has more upside to him at this point. That is not taking anything away from Saifoloi and in some ways it wouldn't be a bad move for the Rebels to sign both of them. It would ensure that we have recruited good coverage for one of the real area of weakness in our lineup (inside backs).

 

[Fowi]

Yeh they would both be great players to have, if the team had atleast one top quality 5/8. Unfortunately the Rebels don't have one. It would be a massive risk to go into the season with Hegarty, Horwitz and Saifoloi.

 

[James Buchanan]

Yeh they would both be great players to have, if the team had atleast one top quality 5/8. Unfortunately the Rebels don't have one. It would be a massive risk to go into the season with Hegarty, Horwitz and Saifoloi.

Yeah, but from where? We tried to get Foley but that was shut down. Every other established 5/8th has been locked in by the other super franchises.

Its not like either are a huge risk either, we're not talking about kids fresh out of school here. They've both performed at a high level in the Shute Shield.

And at some point you just have to take a punt on the kids. NSW did it with Foley recently and it paid off in spades.

 

[Fowi]

Completely agree. Unfortunately there is no one else.

In the case of Horwitz though he is still only 18, and has only played one season of Shute Shield. Foley was a different case. He had been playing Seven's for Australia for 3 - 4 years. As well as playing for Uni, before he was brought into the Tah's team. Even then he started from the bench and was eventually introduced at fullback.

I agree its necessary to take a punt on some guys but i'm not convinced either will be ready to start next season. But I guess we will wait and see then.

 

[p.Tah]

Are the Rebels chasing Jack Debreczeni for fly half as well? Apparently Essendon are as well. I think they have no chance. Why would you want to join them?

It's understood Debreczeni will meet with Essendon officials in coming days, while at the same time conducting a trial with Super Rugby franchise Melbourne Rebels, who are keen on luring the youngster for the 2014 season.
The Brumbies are also interested in signing the in-demand Debreczeni.

Read more: http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/e...fl/story-e6frf4pu-1226708460201#ixzz2ddXcMiuo

 

[Fowi]

I remember watching Debreczeni at school and he always had a massive boot, so I could see why AFL are interested in him. He is also pretty tall. Hopefully he stays in Union, although I dont see him ever becoming a real star he could be a very good squad player.

 

[Forcefield]

I'm pretty sure that article is wrong about him being a part of the U20s this year. I can see why the Brumbies would be keen- he sounds a bit like a Butch James style fly-half.

 

[James Buchanan]

Jaysus. Reading that article, you'd have to think that he's almost the prototypical modern day 12. He's Jamie Roberts with a passing and kicking game

That being said, I would be thoroughly unsurprised that the Rebels are looking into any and all options they can for 10/12. I am even less surprised that they are being linked with anyone and their dog who can play 10/12.

 

[Lindommer]

Agree with you there, JB. It makes missing out on Foley look very sloppy, and with Beale going to the Tahs that's for both sides in this incident.

PLEASE lock up young Jack.

 

[Proud Pig]

Agree with you there, JB. It makes missing out on Foley look very sloppy, and with Beale going to the Tahs that's for both sides in this incident.

PLEASE lock up young Jack.

I would hardly call it sloppy. He signed up and then reneged on the deal.
The only person that comes out of this badly is Foley.
Hopefully he gets to spend many days getting splinters in his backside while Beale steers the Tahs round the park. But I am not bitter at all.

 

[Bowside]

Yeh they would both be great players to have, if the team had atleast one top quality 5/8. Unfortunately the Rebels don't have one. It would be a massive risk to go into the season with Hegarty, Horwitz and Saifoloi.

While it would no doubt be a risk to go in with 3 rookie flyhalves; the rebels don't have a lot of options, and from an Australian Rugby point of view it is better that they give promising youngsters a shot rather than just fall back on Hilgendorf or some half baked kiwi journeyman.

Have to say looking at the strength of the squads over the 5 provinces next season, the super rugby expansion has done wonderful things for the depth of australian rugby.

 

[swingpass]

just noticed the rebels website player profiles have changed.
they have "culled" all the leavers, and no Saffy. does anyone know if he is officially gone as it would seem so.
no "newbies" as yet, just the 2013 squad minus those who have left

 

[oztimmay]

just noticed the rebels website player profiles have changed.
they have "culled" all the leavers, and no Saffy. does anyone know if he is officially gone as it would seem so.
no "newbies" as yet, just the 2013 squad minus those who have left

Looks like they are only half-way through an edit. i thought Tom and Jordy were on full contracts and I wouldn't be surprised if those EPS letters disappear from next to Bryce's name soon.

 

[Scooter]

just noticed the rebels website player profiles have changed.
they have "culled" all the leavers, and no Saffy. does anyone know if he is officially gone as it would seem so.
no "newbies" as yet, just the 2013 squad minus those who have left

Swingpass I was told Saffy was going to France. About a month ago Saffy re-tweeted a couple of tweets from Racing Club Narbonne. So I'd say there is a fair chance that is where he is going.

 

[swingpass]

Swingpass I was told Saffy was going to France. About a month ago Saffy re-tweeted a couple of tweets from Racing Club Narbonne. So I'd say there is a fair chance that is where he is going.

thanks

 

[oztimmay]

I find it a little odd that they haven't announced it yet, if he is leaving. Perhaps they are persuading him to stay? He did have a good year after all.

 

[Braveheart81]

If Saffy is going to France it seems bizarre that he hasn't gone already.

The other Australian players heading over there who haven't left yet are only here because the ARU hasn't released them (like Drew Mitchell).