2024 Melbourne Rebels Squad Dispersal

[Burgs]

Eloff- I would have thought so, his first match for the Rebels was 14.02.2020.
If not, he certainly would become so in a 2-3 year contract.

Give Uncle Mike a few sessions with him and he would be a beast.

[Kernow]

Eloff surely qualifies through residency by now. THe rule doesn't have to say selected, just available.

I really hope the Force land Eloff, he has always struck me as a real grafter.

[GIGS20]

I really hope the Force land Eloff, he has always struck me as a real grafter.

For mine, a more complete scrummager than Talakai (whose main selling point was his scrumming) I can't really understand why he's been so badly left out at the Rebs, but you'd need to follow up on that side before you committed to a contract.

[Kernow]

For mine, a more complete scrummager than Talakai (whose main selling point was his scrumming) I can't really understand why he's been so badly left out at the Rebs, but you'd need to follow up on that side before you committed to a contract.

It'd be interesting to understand what was going on there, especially since they loaned Pone not Eloff when the call came from the Thas. I'm sure if he is on the Force radar they'll be doing their due diligence.

[GIGS20]

It'd be interesting to understand what was going on there, especially since they loaned Pone not Eloff when the call came from the Thas. I'm sure if he is on the Force radar they'll be doing their due diligence.

I'm sure they will too.I kinda added the last bit as a "him not getting a contract might be as a decision the Force has made"

[Burgs]

Matt Proctor listed as going back to Wellington for the NPC, but imagine he could still get a Aus contract as is said to be one of those contracted for 2025, unless he's been released as a surplus International player.

[Burgs]

Ryan LOUWRENS, 33, Scrum-half, leaves the Rebels (AUS) to sign with Montpellier (FRA) , until the end of October, source Rugbyrama

[Tazzmania]

Great pick up for the Force: Vaiolini Ekuasi

See more on 2025 Squad List

[Burgs]

Delighted to have Divad, he's a great young prospect and I hope will be around for years, but does have a little taste of "Don't say you didn't get any..."

Vaiolini Ekuasi- ditto...

[Tazzmania]

On the contrary, I think we have done well so far.

I was at Perth Bayswater on the weekend and was very impressed with Divad. He is a very enthusiatic young kid with a decent size frame already and a good communicator and reader of the play.

Vaiolini is a big bodied tough as nails loose forward in the mould of Princep.

I think they are both good picks that have a higher ceiling than others in similar positons that have gone elsewehere, we just need to hold onto them for longer than a year or two.

[Burgs]

we just need to hold onto them for longer than a year or two.

There lays the problem...

In a "normal" contracting year I would 100% agree with you, would be keen to get young lads keen to prove themselves, particularly if committing to long term contracts.
However, when we already desperately need experience in other positions (particularly Outside Backs) and there are players available in the "re-distribution" that are getting warehoused in the East, then I think it is a bit of a joke.

Definitely nothing personal about those who are coming, welcome them with open arms, but would be happier to see a solid Wing or Fullback announcement or a Prass or Leahy long term contract upgrade from the Academy.

[Tazzmania]

There lays the problem...

... would be happier to see a solid Wing or Fullback announcement or a Prass or Leahy long term contract upgrade from the Academy.

I think we will start seeing some back line signings now that forwards are more or less sorted.

If you have a look at my previous postings you will know I am a Leahy fan, but realistically both him and Prass are still a year or two off super rugby shoe ins (could not think of a better word for now), and will both still need some nurturing and building, I think Prass, Leahy together with O Donnell and Poolman will be an important part of the development tour backline to South Africa, and will be slowly drip fed into the super rugby team next year, and hopefully one or two more experienced player signings (hopefully an outside centre and wing) to come to balance and bolster the squad.

[Burgs]

It's a bit of a paradox in a way, not quite ready to expose full time, but expected to stay loyal and improve on a part time Academy wage.
The Brothers matches I've watched, I'd be more comfortable about Prass at #15 than Poolman on a Wing.
With both of them, I think combining the SA Tour and full time Coaching they will be ready to be available at least by next Feb.
Maybe not starting, or initially even benching, but available and fast tracking more than they would spinning their wheels in Academy and Hospital Cup.
At the rate we are (not) signing "better" options the debate may end up moot...

[GIGS20]

There lays the problem...

In a "normal" contracting year I would 100% agree with you, would be keen to get young lads keen to prove themselves, particularly if committing to long term contracts.
However, when we already desperately need experience in other positions (particularly Outside Backs) and there are players available in the "re-distribution" that are getting warehoused in the East, then I think it is a bit of a joke.

Definitely nothing personal about those who are coming, welcome them with open arms, but would be happier to see a solid Wing or Fullback announcement or a Prass or Leahy long term contract upgrade from the Academy.

From my perspective it doesn't seem like the problem is at Force HQ, it's a little higher up the food chain than that.

You can't blame them for throwing their hands in the air and signing the best options they can actually get over the line and, I for one, would prefer they actually focus on a balanced squad with some longer term options when the whole contract approval system seems stacked against them than take short term options which aren't going to generate any success anyway.

Yes we have holes to cover, the most brutally obvious ones are THP and outside backs, but we can only fill the spots whith what RA will sign off on, so it's a catch 22.

The problem is, we have backup props and backs, who aren't ready for week-in week-out Super Rugby but will have the potential to be really good in a couple of years.

[Burgs]

From my perspective it doesn't seem like the problem is at Force HQ, it's a little higher up the food chain than that.

We all, so far, seem fairly forgiving on this point, but am starting to wonder about the caliber of individuals in these key seats.

You can't blame them for throwing their hands in the air and signing the best options they can actually get over the line and, I for one, would prefer they actually focus on a balanced squad with some longer term options

Unfortunately we don't seem to be getting much of either- short term key signings or long term development signings. Mostly short term development signings seems the order of the day in WA and long term commitments ok in the East.