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Robinson and Palu in the sights of southern raiders
JOSH RAKIC
January 24, 2010
Team harmony ... Waratahs prop Benn Robinson gives his vocal chords a workout while singing the team song with his teammates after a match last year. Photo: Getty Images
FORGET Test captain Rocky Elsom and vice-captain Berrick Barnes - for now.
The Sun-Herald can reveal Waratahs and Wallabies forwards Benn Robinson and Wycliff Palu have been earmarked as the Melbourne Rebels' inaugural marquee signings.
Although the Australian Rugby Union has prevented the franchise from announcing any Super 14 player signings before May 30, the Rebels are still entitled to negotiate with players and The Sun-Herald understands that the duo's names are high on the agenda.
While Elsom has been heavily linked to the franchise, his situation is significantly more delicate given his national obligations, and sources in both camps are reluctant to give away anything regarding his intentions.
However, several well-placed sources have confirmed interest in Robinson and Palu, and Rebels assistant coach Damien Hill said securing a world-class forward pack was No.1 priority for himself and head coach Rod Macqueen.
''The ball-winning positions are very important - the tight five in particular is going to be crucial first-up,'' said Hill, who has also strong links with off-contract Waratahs backs Daniel Halangahu, Tom Carter and Peter Betham.
Joining those five on Melbourne's hit-list are Wallabies flyers Peter Hynes and Cameron Shepherd, who are with the Reds and Force respectively. Both are seen as perfect fits for the culture the franchise hopes to build - experienced, dedicated and motivated.
World Cup-winning Wallabies coach Bob Dwyer backed the possible recruitment of Robinson - regarded by some observers as the world's finest loose-head - and rampaging No.8 Palu and said the franchise would be crazy not to secure them as soon if possible.
''It's a tough ask to get both of them, but I'd definitely be trying,'' Dwyer told The Sun-Herald. ''If I were coach, you would definitely want the second-row sorted and you would definitely want your flyhalf and your goalkicker sorted.
''We need some big, capable locks and they're the hard ones to find. Rocky Elsom, you'd definitely go for him, too.''
While Elsom told The Sun-Herald last week Melbourne would find it hard to fund a team full of superstars, Dwyer was adamant it could be done.
''It won't be all about money,'' Dwyer said. ''It'll be partly about money, but it won't be all about money. It'll be about wanting to be part of a developing franchise that's making its own way and is privately owned.''
He said post-career opportunities could be used by the franchise to attract players.
''Cam Shepherd is an extremely good player. Daniel Halangahu is a very good player and I'd like him. Adam Freier is a Test player and one who would definitely suit the ethic of the club.
''So I don't think it'll take a year for the Rebels to get it altogether. I think they'll be a capable team right from the start.''
While the Rebels have been given licence to sign 10 overseas players, it is more likely they will pursue Australian players playing abroad.
''The interesting thing is you could probably put together a whole squad of Australian players playing outside of Australia,'' Dwyer said.
''[Five-eighth] Brock James is killing them over there in France for Clermont. I've seen him play a few times recently and he's playing very well, both in attack and defence.
''His kicking is nothing short of outstanding.
''Money-wise it'd be difficult to get him back, but he might want to come back to Australia. I'd certainly try. I'd be after him immediately. He's the first player I'd be after.
''There's [openside breakaway] Julian Salvi in Bath, [second-rower] Ed O'Donoghue in Ulster - both very good players. [Former NSW No.10] Manny Edmonds is still over there and [ex-Waratahs winger] Peter Hewat - he's an outstanding player.
''You lose track of the number of players.''
Dwyer laughed off suggestions there was not enough talent in Australia to support a fifth team and said critics needed only to look to club rugby to see the potential.
''We saw a great number of players in the Shute Shield last year and it's no surprise a lot of them played for University - because they were the best-coached team,'' he said.
''I think there are more than enough players - absolutely plenty. Richard Kingi and Luke Morahan showed us there's a lot of high quality players in Brisbane, too.
''I don't think there's any doubt we have enough players to fill the roster. The question is not whether we've got enough good players, but if we've got enough good coaches to help them realise their potential. And I think the way the Melbourne set-up is developing, they do have the best coaches to do that.''
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/un...0123-mrk6.html
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