Rebels 2019

[Brumby Runner]

I haven't seen Harry Lloyd bested by any other prop in the NRC. Not the biggest man, but apparently immensely strong.

 

[elementfreak]

Losing Weeks after 44 seconds didn't help the Rising scrum at all.

 

[Brumby Runner]

That's true about Weeks but the Rising scrum wasn't just bossed by the Force, it was demolished. I don't think Weeks would have been the difference.

 

[Pone's Mullet]

I hope Tuipulotu is showing some signs for the Rising, because lord knows you need a 13 who can tackle if English is off.

What's the rumour with English?

 

[RebelYell]

Losing Weeks after 44 seconds didn't help the Rising scrum at all.

What happened to Weeks? I didn't see the game.

 

[Rebels3]

What happened to Weeks? I didn't see the game.

Head knock

 

[Brumby Runner]

Went into a tackle around the knees/thighs head first. Great technique, which mystifyingly seems to be a favoured technique by many of our so called first class players.

 

[elementfreak]

That's true about Weeks but the Rising scrum wasn't just bossed by the Force, it was demolished. I don't think Weeks would have been the difference.

Not at all, the Force were just superior, but Weeks would have helped.

 

[oztimmay]

Tom English sticking around for 2019.

 

[oztimmay]

Press release:

Melbourne Rebels Club Captain Tom English has put pen to paper and re-committed to extend his contract for at least one more season.

After arriving at the Rebels in 2012 on an Extended Playing Squad contract, English has been a mainstay in the Rebels starting XV since his debut in 2013 and is now the 2nd highest Super Rugby capped Rebel in history.

His popularity, authenticity and respect in the Club was highlighted by his elevation to Club Captain in 2017.

“I learnt some time ago that a Club isn't defined by the four walls surrounding it. What defines a great Club, like ours, is the people within these four walls,” noted English.

“This year the personnel we have on and off the field are exceptional and we are all working towards something special.’

“Being here for as long as I have and having experiencing mixed levels of success in that time, I can honestly sense we have really elevated our expectations. We’re challenging ourselves more than ever and we’re exceptionally committed to doing our members proud.

With the 2019 Melbourne Rebels squad close to being finalised, English has been buoyed by the quality of players who have decided to join the Club.

“We have made some really exciting signings. Retaining guys like Marika and Angus Cottrell plus new recruits like Matt To'omua and Isi Naisarani will only strengthen our squad even further,” said English.

Melbourne Rebels CEO Baden Stephenson was quick to commend the 27-year-old Club stalwart for his loyalty and leadership.

“I’ve been privileged to witness first hand Tom’s development as a player and growth as a person during his time at the Rebels,” said Stephenson.

“Tom is a leader who brings terrific energy to the Club and has been such a positive influence for the entire playing group, particularly the younger players.’

“The level of care he demonstrates for the organisation and our people makes him the perfect role model for our Club. His selflessness is why he is such an effective Club Captain and ambassador for Rugby,” stated Stephenson.

On the field, English has cemented himself as a regular fixture in the starting backline in the face of stiff competition.

“Amassing 80 Super Rugby caps is no easy feat and Tom has done that whilst leading a young group through adversity. It’s a testament to his work ethic that Tom is able to be such a consistent performer for the Rebels.’

“His recommitment to Melbourne reaffirms the stability that our coaching staff and high performance environment offers quality Rugby players,” stated Stephenson.

 

[RoffsChoice]

What's the rumour with English?

Tom English sticking around for 2019.

Had been hearing that he was heading to the UK, but then these murmurs started and he's clearly sticking around!

 

[Blackadder]

https://www.news.com.au/sport/rugby...d/news-story/7d38b7d4c3f2f3f7c3fd677f9eec2671

Quade Cooper latest

 

[TSR]

I thought he was very good today in very tough conditions.

 

[oztimmay]

Club statement regarding the sponsor:

https://melbournerebels.com/2018/09...t-regarding-legacy-property-investment-group/

And because the website (Azure) is still running light a three-leg drunk dog, here's the grab.

The Melbourne Rebels are aware of financial challenges being faced by current major sponsor, Legacy Property and Investment Group. In addition, we understand that Legacy are currently facing prospective strike-off action by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC).

Legacy and the Melbourne Rebels entered into a two-year sponsorship agreement earlier this year, centred on delivering community initiatives via the Club’s platform, profile and in partnership with Rugby Victoria. The Melbourne Rebels are very disappointed that the term of that sponsorship agreement is now likely to be cut short due to circumstances well outside of the Club’s influence or control. The impact of any potential early termination of the sponsorship is unwelcome, but will not have any material impact on the viability of the Club.

Given that Legacy’s future operating capacity is now being reviewed by ASIC and that there are potential legal ramifications for that outcome, the Melbourne Rebels will not be making any further comment on this matter at this stage.

 

[Rebels3]

Club statement regarding the sponsor:

https://melbournerebels.com/2018/09...t-regarding-legacy-property-investment-group/

And because the website (Azure) is still running light a three-leg drunk dog, here's the grab.

Good to see they are open about the situation, not much you can do but wait and see.

 

[The Whisperer]

Surely we can dream of a finals appearance in 2019?
The squad we have brewing is ridiculous.

Ill have a go at a side

1. Jermaine Ainsley
2. Jordan Uelese
3. Tetera Faulkner
4. Adam Coleman
5. Matt Philip
6. Angus Cottrell
7. Richard Hardwick
8. Isi Naisarani
9. Will Genia
10. Quade Cooper
11. Marika Koroibete
12. Matt To'omua
13. Reece Hodge
14. Jack Maddocks
15. Dane Haylett-Petty
RESERVES
16. Anaru Rangi
17. Sam Talakai
18. Laurie Weeks
19. Trevor Hosea
20. Brad Wilkin
21. Michael Ruru
22. Bill Meakes
23. Sefa Naivalu

OTHERS:
Hugh Roach
Ben Daley
Mees Erasmus
Pone Fa'amausili
Fareti Sa'aga
Ross Haylett-Petty
Rob Leota
Harrison Goddard
Sione Tuipolotu
Semisi Tupou
Tom English
Tom Jeffries

 

[RoffsChoice]

Much as I'd appreciate facing a weaker Rebels side next year You can't use Hodge as your 13. It makes good use of him offensively, and lord knows he runs good lines, but he's not up to it on the defensive side of the game.

The Crusaders killed the Hurricanes for doing a similar thing with Jordie Barrett just by running straight at him and either going over him or making gaps elsewhere as people came to cover. Likewise, Hodge been a weakness for the Wallabies there.

You should be keeping English in position there, or making use of Sione Tuipulotu; your other backs offer enough offensively, your 13 should add to your defensive stability.

 

[Getwithme]

Tom Jefferies won't come anywhere near playing he only just came back to the sport so no point even listing him. Also I would be very suprised if Trevor Hosea plays ahead of other guys (added to the fact he'll be away with u20's duty too)

 

[Rebels3]

Surely we can dream of a finals appearance in 2019?
The squad we have brewing is ridiculous.

Ill have a go at a side

1. Jermaine Ainsley
2. Jordan Uelese
3. Tetera Faulkner
4. Adam Coleman
5. Matt Philip
6. Angus Cottrell
7. Richard Hardwick
8. Isi Naisarani
9. Will Genia
10. Quade Cooper
11. Marika Koroibete
12. Matt To'omua
13. Reece Hodge
14. Jack Maddocks
15. Dane Haylett-Petty
RESERVES
16. Anaru Rangi
17. Sam Talakai
18. Laurie Weeks
19. Trevor Hosea
20. Brad Wilkin
21. Michael Ruru
22. Bill Meakes
23. Sefa Naivalu

OTHERS:
Hugh Roach
Ben Daley
Mees Erasmus
Pone Fa'amausili
Fareti Sa'aga
Ross Haylett-Petty
Rob Leota
Harrison Goddard
Sione Tuipolotu
Semisi Tupou
Tom English
Tom Jeffries

To'omua might only be available for a couple of games

Think the team will look like this come mid season

1 Sa'aga
2 Uelese
3 Ainsley
4 Coleman
5 Philip
6 Jones/Cottrell
7 Hardwick
8 Naisarani
9 Genia
10 Cooper?????
11 Koroibete
12 Meakes (To'omua will still be away)
13 Hodge
14 Maddocks
15 DHP

16 Rangi
17 Faulkner
18 Fa'amasuili/Talakai
19 Cottrell/Jones
20 RHP/Leota
21 Ruru
22 Tuipulotu
23 English/Tupou

 

[KevinO]

To'omua might only be available for a couple of games

Think the team will look like this come mid season

1 Sa'aga
2 Uelese
3 Ainsley
4 Coleman
5 Philip
6 Jones/Cottrell
7 Hardwick
8 Naisarani
9 Genia
10 Cooper?????
11 Koroibete
12 Meakes (To'omua will still be away)
13 Hodge
14 Maddocks
15 DHP

16 Rangi
17 Faulkner
18 Fa'amasuili/Talakai
19 Cottrell/Jones
20 RHP/Leota
21 Ruru
22 Tuipulotu
23 English/Tupou

Pretty much except I'd have Sefa in the 23. If his fit I'd start him on the wing ahead of Maddox, Maddox should be QC (Quade Cooper)/DHP back up super sub and let the Fijian flyers fly on the wings.