Rebel Rising v Western Force ‘A’
At long last we have our future getting some exposure....:
Rebel Rising v Western Force ‘A’
By Rebels Media Unit
Rebel Rising are once again kick-starting a rugby-filled weekend this Friday night at AAMI Park. The club’s second-string are taking on a powerful looking ‘A’ side from the Western Force in the curtain raiser to the RaboDirect Rebels Super Rugby clash against the Hurricanes.
The fixture is the first opportunity to see Wallaby hooker, Adam Freier, run out in club colours, as he makes his way back into the game following a long spell out through injury. Other first-team squad members on show include Tom Chamberlain and Luke Jones.
The clash is the first of a double-header involving the ‘A’ sides of Australia’s most recent entrants to Super Rugby, with the second instalment prefacing the Force hosting the Rebels in Perth next week. These fixtures mark the culmination of the Rebel Rugby programme for this cycle, with the Rebels squad a reflection of the players who have most impressed the coaching staff throughout the year.
Encouragingly, a significant proportion of the squad is drawn from Victorian representatives. A further example of how the creation of the Rebels has allowed the best local talent a platform to progress in elite rugby.
Among this group is the appropriately named Melbourne Lesa, a young hooker of distinction and a great example of the benefit of Super Rugby in Victoria.
Now 21, Lesa was a standout throughout his junior career, representing Victoria at age-group level, including a victorious Australian Schools Division II Championship. His performances there earned him a place in the Combined States team, which in turn progressed into participating in the ARU National Talent Squad.
On conclusion of his studies, Lesa’s pathway had no natural progression. Victoria was then without a Super Rugby side and a Memorandum of Understanding with the Brumbies meant the cream of Victorian juniors were directed to Canberra to continue their elite development. Lesa was one of the youngsters involved in this arrangement and he earned himself an Academy spot with the Brumbies. Here, he set records for his power and strength in the gym and looked on course to develop into a Super Rugby player of some repute.
Fortunately for the Rebels, once Lesa was aware of the development of Super Rugby in the state, he took the opportunity to return to Victoria and continue his development in the Rebel Rugby programme. He has subsequently been part of the preseason training squad with the Rebels and also a leading figure within Rebel Rising.
Rebel Rugby Manager, Josh Philpot, has acclaimed Lesa’s impact in the Rebel Rising group, confidently asserting he has proven himself one of the leading figures pushing for senior selection – even accounting for the professional squad members he is competing alongside.
“He is a player of the future. Certainly someone we will continue to invest in, and want to invest in,” Philpot explained. “He will now be part of the formal Rebel Rugby elite group – which is effectively the best dozen rugby players in the state – that we will consistently work with throughout the year.”
“Equally as important is his role off-field. The focus in Rebel Rugby on the Rebels Creed is very important and Melbourne has been very good in that regard, including mentoring his younger cousin, Ephraim, who is also in the Rebel Rugby system.” Philpot said. “Certainly from a leadership point of view, Melbourne is very much a leader, shows complete excellence and is very respectful.”
Lesa, a polite, understated, yet effervescent character, is just happy to be back home and playing rugby. “Having Rebel Rugby in Melbourne is great for rugby in Victoria. It used to be that everyone had to leave to try and get on in the game but now we’ve got a team with boys coming from all over the country. They bring their different views on the game with them and that will improve the standard throughout the state,” he said while preparing for Friday’s game.
“I grew up here, so to be back home is great. You definitely have a little bit more pride in your performance when you represent your home team,” he said.
“Hopefully I’ll keep doing what I’m doing and get a spot in the Rebels.”
It is possible the club’s first home-grown Super Rugby Rebel will not only be from Melbourne, but called Melbourne.
Make sure you get to AAMI Park from 5pm this Friday and see the future of Victorian rugby in action.
Match Details
Rebel Rising v Western Force Academy
Friday March 25, 5.05pm
AAMI Park
Rebel Rising
1. Eddie Aholelei, 2. Adam Freier (c), 3. Thomas Kolo, 4. Tom Broughton, 5. Richard Stanford, 6. Tom Chamberlain, 7. Hugh Perrett, 8. Luke Jones, 9. Lua Vailoaloa, 10. Toby Browne (vc), 11. Tasesa Lalotoa, 12. Chris Slade, 13. Cam Mitchell, 14. Tomu Mataika, 15. Alex Rokobaro
Reserves: 16. Elliott Bull, 17. Melbourne Lesa, 18. Andrew Brown, 19. Bryan Scott, 20. Dave Hardisty, 21. Dan Kelly, 22. Taofiga Sa
Coach: Josh Philpot and Matt Cockbain
Western Force ‘A’
1. Gary Neugebauer, 2. Siliva Siliva, 3. Cruz Ah-Nau, 4. Phoenix Battye, 5. Nick Haining, 6. Ted Postal, 7. Will Brock (c), 8. Anare Koliavu, 9. Tyler Berry, 10. Mark Bartholomeusz (vc), 11. Chance Peni, 12. Juan Pretorius, 13. Henari Veratau, 14. Heremaia Te Aute, 15. Isaiah Mosese
Reserves: 16. Stefan Cooper, 17. Ashley Riley, 18. Ollie Hoskins, 19. Kieran Stringer 20. Bruce Smith-Wright, 21. Ethan Carlisle, 22. Dave Cloete, 23. Mike Denton
Coach: Andrew Scotney
