Possible Rebels Selections

[Burgs]

OK, I just couldn't handle it any longer, here's a "Rebels XV" for you to do what you like with.
Selected in part from rumours, in part on sentiment for local representation and in part own hunches, will leave you to work out which is which.

The rest of the Squad would be made up of development players including younger overseas players rather than expensive, potentially prima donna, stars.

Personally think it is more realistic than Andrew Logans pathetic piece in Inside Rugby mag anyway...

Burgs Rebel XV
Players with Vic connections

1 Gareth Hardy
2 John Ulugia
3 Ben Alexander
4 Sitaleki Timani
5 Daniel Vickerman
6 Rocky Elsom (C)
7 Matt Hodgson
8 Tamaiti Horua

9 Chris O'Young
10 Brock James/James Hilgendorf
11 Manu Vatuvei
12 Mark Gasnier
13 Stirling Mortlock
14 Israel Folau
15 Sam Norton-Knight

16 Oli Avei
17 Dan Palmer
18 Chris Thomson
19 Beau Robinson
20 James Stannard
21 Christian Lealiifano
22 Lloyd Johansson

[James]

I know that contracts go and get in the way of things but I don't think Melbourne would do too badly from a backrow of Jone Tawake, Julian Salvi and David Lyons. Or Tamaiti Horua as you mention Burgs. I'd like to see the Melbourne team make a concerted effort to bring people back before bringing people in from other Super 14 sides. David Pusey isn't currently playing and still has plenty to offer. Dan Vickerman would be great to bring back. There are a couple of scrumhalves like Nick Berry who could be approached. Rodzilla, Gareth Hardy, John Ulugia and Olei Avei are all good options in the front row. Between the import allowance, a need to develop new players and handfuls of talent playing overseas the Melbourne Rebels shouldn't need to raid the other teams much. No doubt they will however and by the sound of things the Brumbies and the Tahs are packing it.

[The InnFORCEr]

What about the Cockbains, are they not Melbournites???

[Burgs]

Getting on a bit now I think TIF, at least when you are talking of carrying the likes of Mortlock and Vickerman already.
Matt C may be an outside Welborn type selection.

[TOCC]

Vitori Buatava could be a useful pickup, he has been capped for Fiji and plays on the Gold Coast but his is originally a Melbourne boy.

I expect Ben Tapuai from the Reds will sign with Melbourne as well, and potentially his brother Rex Tapuai.

[Lee Grant]

This thread started on a on another forum in October may be of interest.

http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/for...p?topic=9415.0

A lot of water has gone under the bridge since that thread started.

Please let me know if these references to threads on another forum are not welcome. I will understand and without saying that anybody is precious. I wouldn't want them to become inimical to this forum.

[Burgs]

So long as it is relevant and not overdone I can't see a problem Lee, be great to read your current thoughts here though

[TOCC]

Hugh McMenimen has said the Rebels have approached him to sign for 2011, Hugh has said he might be willing to cut short his 2 year Japan contract to return to Australia for the 2011 RWC, he also said he hopes the Reds approach him with a good offer as well because ultimately he would like to return to QLD.

Also, Michael Hobbs(highlander 5/8) has been approached as well as the Stanley brothers(Benson and Winston) of the Auckland Blues, both who are elegible for the Wallabies having been born and lived in Australia when younger.

[Burgs]

Hugely impressed with Michael Hobbs this weekend, he would be a very impressive signing.

[zimeric]

Hobbs was Massive! 3 tries in 2 games.. his place kicking was a bit dodgy this week though, he'd really be a coup but i have the feeling he'll be offered heaps to stay if he's off contract

[James]

Reds approached Hobbs for this year I believe but they wouldn't release him for the ANZC so I believe that was a sticking point.

[Burgs]

Rupert Harden

DOB 9th May 1985
Birthplace Melbourne
Height 1.91 m (6' 3")
Weight 118 kg (18 st 7 lb)
Position Prop

Currently playing with Gloucester, having played three matches including debuting of the bench for ten minutes against the Australia XV on the Spring Tour.

Formerly part of the Newcastle Falcons Academy, tighthead Harden spent 2008-9 with National League 2 side Tynedale where he had spent time on loan.

The 23-year-old Australian-born prop mixed his youth between London, Rugby School and Cumbria and represented England Counties.

He caught the eye of the Gloucester coaching set up whilst playing against Cinderford and will be looking to further his rugby development at Kingsholm.