A TEAM ON THE RISE REBELS

Coach: Kevin Foote

Captain: TBC

Home ground: AAMI Park, Melbourne

Website: www.melbournerebels.rugby

Tickets: www.melbournerebels.rugby/ experience/tickets

Contact: PO Box 4046, Richmond East, Victoria 3121. Phone +61 1300 89 77 15

Email: info@melbournerebels.com.au

Team TAB odds: $151.00

FORWARDS:

Jaiden Christian, Cabous Eloff, Pone Fa’amausili, Matt Gibbon, Cameron Orr, Sam Talakai, Isaac Aedo Kailea, Jordan Uelese, Alex Mafi, Anaru Rangi, Theo Fourie, Trevor Hosea, Matt Philip, Josh Canham, Tuiana Taii Tualima, Richard Hardwick, Zac Hough, Tamati Ioane, Josh Kemeny, Rob Leota, Brad Wilkin, Daniel Maiava.

BACKS:

Moses Sorovi, James Tuttle, Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Mason Gordon, Nick Jooste, David Feliuai, Stacey Ili, Lebron Naea, Ray Nu’u, Lukas Ripley, David Vaihu, Lachlan Anderson, Reece Hodge, Andrew Kellaway, Joe Pincus, Ilikena Vudogo, Glen Vaihu, Lachie Anderson, Monty Ioane.

SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC: TENTH

It was a case of what might have been. The Rebels lost their opening five matches before turning their season around with three good wins and just missing the quarter-finals on bonus points.

LUCK OF THE DRAW:

The Rebels have an opening trip to Perth to take on the Force and then two home games at AAMI Park against the Hurricanes and Waratahs. The Chiefs in Hamilton are followed by the Reds back in Melbourne and a memorable trip away to take on the Fijian Drua in Suva.

CAMPAIGN PREVIEW:

Rebels head coach Kevin Foote is not shy about promoting the fast-paced style of rugby he wants his side to play in 2023.

“The simple way to say it is if you are on the sidelines and watching the Rebels play, what are the words or actions you’d think about? When we say fast, we’re not necessarily saying running fast, we’re talking about speed of thought and skill.

“Growing up watching Super Rugby for years, the speed of the game is so unique, we play in summer months where the weather is nice and it’s awesome for crowds, so playing fast and fearless goes hand-in-hand.

“We need to be brave enough to say we’ve got that skill to run it from anywhere on the field, so a fast and fearless brand of rugby is really important for us.”

Foote and his coaching team have assembled a strengthened squad from last season when the Rebels finished strongly after a poor start to the campaign.

Andrew Kellaway returns to the squad, alongside quality players Reece Hodge, Matt Philip, Matt Gibbon, Rob Leota, Pone Fa’amausili, Richard Hardwick and Stacey Ili.

Australian-born Italy international Monty Ioane joins the Rebels from Italy. The Rebels will miss last season’s captain Michael Wells, who has transferred to the Western Force, and experienced Wallaby Matt To’omua, who is playing in Japan.

A big plus is signing hooker Alex Mafi from the Reds. The 26-year-old had a neck injury in 2022 but is regarded as one of the best rakes in the country. He strengthens a strong pack that includes Wallabies Matt Gibbon, Pone Fa’amausili, Cabous Eloff and Sam Talakai.

Foote is expecting big things from his team.

“I’m so excited about this squad and so grateful for the work our people have done to bring these guys back because these players are good Melbourne people and good Rebels players. The brand of rugby we want to play, and the culture these guys will bring, will be huge for us both on and off the field,” he says.

“I’m super pumped about our 2023 squad. (General Manager of Rugby) Nick Stiles has done an excellent job recruiting some experienced guys back to the club, which will be important as we go through this building stage and getting the right people on board to support our younger players as they’re progressing through.

“Guys like Anaru Rangi, Sam Talakai and Ryan Louwrens are going to be huge for us, along with players like Glen Vaihu, Carter Gordon and Brad Wilkin. All these guys have played in the Rebels jersey before and are ready to go to the next level.”

WHO’S NEW:

Forwards: Sam Talakai (Tokyo Sungoliath), Anaru Rangi (Shining Arcs), Alex Mafi (Reds), Tuaina Taii Tualima (Reds).

Backs: Ryan Louwrens (Austin), Monty Ioane (Benetton), David Feliuai (Sunnybank).

WHO’S THROUGH:

Forwards: Michael Wells (Force), Sef Fa’agase (Reds), Efi Maafu (Rouen), Jeral Skelton (Canterbury-Bankstown).

Backs: Joe Powell (London Irish), Matt To’omua (Japan), Young Tonumaipea (Melbourne Storm).