OFFICIAL PROGRAM #REBvSHA
MELBOURNE REBELS V
THE SHARKS 7:40PM FRIDAY 23 MARCH AAMI PARK, MELBOURNE
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On behalf of the Melbourne Rebels, a big heartfelt thank you to our Rebel Army for your support of the Tonga appeal.
WELCOME REBELS V SHARKS FRIDAY 23 MARCH PROGRAM CONTENTS Welcome 3 Feature Story
4
Tonga Appeal
6
Super W Draw
7
Rugby Vic 2018 Rebels Squad
10 11
Team Lineup
14
2018 Fixture
17
Feature Story
18
Rebels Merchandise
20
Next Home Games
21
Sponsors 22 Melbourne Rebels Young Professionals Network 23
Your donations of non-perishable food, clothing and appliances will help families and communities in need after Cyclone Gita left many homeless and parts of the nation devastated. The appeal is particularly close to Lopeti Timani, who’s village and surrounding areas were severely impacted by the natural disaster, so your donations will support the townships of Navutoka and Manuka in the Hahake region on the main island of Tongatapu. Despite last weekend’s result in Sydney, the club still had plenty to celebrate on and off the field. A big congratulation to Mahe Vailanu, who became the latest local product to join our Rebels family with his Super Rugby debut off the bench against the NSW Waratahs on Sunday. Our commitment to developing local talent has started to pay dividends through the hard work of our underpinning programs, in conjunction with Rugby Victoria abd clubs, but know that we’ve still got plenty of work ahead of us.
Design & Pre-Press Sarah Fulham Content Creation Chris Gottaas Brynn O’Connor Images Getty Images, Mike Baker, Dave Callow, Michael Rummery, Andrew Stevenson
We also have to acknowledge Tom English, who equalled the club’s record for most tries when he scored his 15th for the Rebels on Sunday. English equals Reece Hodge and Scott Higginbotham as the club’s leading try scorer. Hodge is on the verge of setting another Rebels record. Hodge needs just three points to surpass Jason Woodward as the club’s all-time leading points scorer. Will be break the record tonight? Lastly, a thank you to our incredible Rebel Army for our unwavering support and passion. The club is proud to announce that we have set a new membership record with the Rebels breaking 12,500 members for the first time. Initiatives such as our Road to Rebels junior membership program and affordable Blue Rebels membership has ensure more Victorians have access to world class rugby than ever before. If you haven’t had the chance to donate, the club will continue to accept donations for our Tonga appeal at Rebels HQ throughout the week.
As always, go Rebels!
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FEATURE STORY
REBELS READY TO STEP UP
Melbourne Rebels Head Coach Dave Wessels said his team will focus on getting back to their strengths in a bid to return to winning ways tonight against the Sharks. After a second-half lapse against the Waratahs, the Rebels have spent the week focused on producing an 80-minute performance. Wessels said he’s confident that the Rebel’s performance last Sunday was a blemish and that the team is ready
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to get back to their best after a promising start to the season. “I think what has worked for us so far (this season) is the intensity that we’ve played with,” Wessels said. “I felt that even in the first half (of Sunday’s game) that we didn’t bring that same intensity that we’ve showed in the last couple of weeks that’s what we want to do and that’s part of our DNA.”
With a short five-day turn around following Sunday’s game, the Rebels were able to quickly refocus on their return to The Stockade.
“Geoff Parling is a British and Irish Lion because of his work around the set piece, he’s very smart with some of the stuff he does there.
Wessels has backed his team’s ability to bounce back with another strong performance at home.
“So we’ll have a few plans up our sleeves to disrupt the Sharks, we know that’s a strong area of their game.”
“We can’t be too fussed about what the Sharks are going to bring, we haven’t had a huge amount of time to really focus on them, we’ve got to get ourselves in a place that we’re happy with,” Wessels said. “I think we’ve played some really good rugby this year and I think we’re happy with where the team is at. “I think as far as everything that they’ve tried, it’s life sometimes and we’ve just got to get on with the next job.” The Rebels have opted for fresh legs against a strong and physical Sharks outfit. Wessels says the inclusions of former British & Irish Lion and English international lock Geoff Parling, along with flankers Colby Fainga’a and Angus Cottrell, will help the Rebels combat the Sharks’ ability around the set piece. “We’ve kept things pretty fresh by bringing some fresher players into the pack and I think particularly with a set piece point of view,” Wessels said.
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The Melbourne Rebels are calling on the Victorian rugby community and the general public to help support families and communities affected by Cyclone Gita in Tonga. In response to the extensive damage cause by the cyclone in early February, the Club will be collecting donations of non perishable goods. The village and surrounding areas of Rebels flanker Lopeti Timani were severly impacted by the cyclone so the club has launched an appeal to support the townships of Navutoka and Manuka in the Hahake region on the main island of Tongatapu in Tonga. “The biggest cyclone on record hit Tonga a couple weeks ago which has impacted my family and a lot of people in the village that I’ve come from so that’s why we’re encouraging people to donate items to help those in need,” Timani said. “It’s been a difficult time for many back in Tonga because a lot of families have lost their houses and everything that they own after the cyclone. “The stories I’ve heard from family back home are sad, a lot of people have been left with nothing so we can help by donating food, clothing and appliances.”. All donations collected will be sent to Tonga and distributed to those in need. Donations can be made at the Rebels Fuso truck, located on the AAMI Park forecourt this evening and before the Hurricanes game on the 30 March - or donations can be delivered to Melbourne Rebels reception based at Entrance F, AAMI Park.
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STORY
SUPER W AT AAMI PARK 30 | MARCH
With the growth of women’s sport in Australia and the rise of several successful domestic competitions, including Super Netball and AFL W, Melbourne Rebels Womens Head Coach Alana Thomas believes that Super W will help continue to grow women’s rugby participation in Victoria. The Melbourne Rebels Womens team will play the curtain raiser match at AAMI Park next Friday night (30 March) against the Brumbies Women, opening for the Melbourne Rebels v Hurricanes kick off at 7.40pm.
Remaining fixtures Round 3 Sunday 25 March v Queensland Women, Brisbane, 1.30pm Round 4 Friday 30 March v Brumbies Women, AAMI Park, Melbourne, 5.00pm Round 5 Saturday 7 April v NSW Women, Box Hill Rugby Club, Melbourne, 3.00pm
*All times local.
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Do YOU want to play Rugby in 2018? No matter your size, gender, age or physical capability, there is a team for you! Rugby Union is a game for all. Join your local club today and be a part of the exciting 2018 season! Find your local club at: www.rugbyvic.com.au #AGameForAll
MEET YOUR 2018 REBELS The extended playing squad to battle it out for Super Rugby glory.
ADAM
AMANAKI
ANARU
ANGUS
POSITION LOCK
POSITION BACK ROW
POSITION HOOKER
POSITION FLANKER
AGE 26
AGE 28
AGE 29
AGE 28
HEIGHT 2.04M
HEIGHT 1.89M
HEIGHT 1.81M
HEIGHT 1.91M
WEIGHT 122KG
WEIGHT 112KG
WEIGHT 113KG
WEIGHT 111KG
COLEMAN
MAFI
RANGI
COTTRELL
BEN
BILLY
COLBY
POSITION PROP
POSITION CENTRE
POSITION FLANKER
AGE 29
AGE 27
AGE 26
AGE 28
HEIGHT 1.84M
HEIGHT 1.88M
HEIGHT 1.83M
HEIGHT 1.90M
WEIGHT 111KG
WEIGHT 100KG
WEIGHT 101KG
WEIGHT 100KG
DALEY
MEAKES
FAINGA’A
DANE
HAYLETT-PETTY POSITION FULLBACK
DAVID
DOM
ESEI
FERETI
POSITION CENTRE
POSITION WING
POSITION LOCK
POSITION PROP
AGE 23
AGE 27
AGE 18
AGE 23
HEIGHT 1.83M
HEIGHT 1.86M
HEIGHT 1.98M
WEIGHT 94KG
WEIGHT 94KG
WEIGHT 118KG
GEOFF
HARRISON
HENRY
HUNTER
POSITION LOCK
POSITION SCRUMHALF
POSITION WING
POSITION WING
AGE 34
AGE 19
AGE 21
AGE 19
HEIGHT 1.99M
HEIGHT 1.80M
HEIGHT 1.75M
HEIGHT 1.80M
WEIGHT 117KG
WEIGHT 79KG
WEIGHT 86KG
WEIGHT 90KG
HORWITZ
PARLING
SHIPPERLEY
GODDARD
HA’ANGANA
HUTCHISON
SA’AGA
HEIGHT 1.86M WEIGHT 126KG
PAISAMI
9
JACK
JERMAINE
POSITION FLYHALF
POSITION FULLBACK
POSITION FLYHALF
POSITION PROP
AGE 24
AGE 21
AGE 21
AGE 22
HEIGHT 1.92M
HEIGHT 1.94M
HEIGHT 1.78M
HEIGHT 1.80M
WEIGHT 85KG
WEIGHT 115KG
JACK
DEBRECZENI
WEIGHT 99KG
MADDOCKS
WEIGHT 90KG
MCGREGOR
AINSLEY
JORDAN
KITI
LAURIE
LOPETI
POSITION HOOKER
POSITION WING
POSITION PROP
POSITION BACK ROW
AGE 21
AGE 23
AGE 31
AGE 27
HEIGHT 1.80M
HEIGHT 1.93M
WEIGHT 115KG
WEIGHT 124KG
UELESE
HEIGHT 1.89M
RATU
HEIGHT 1.94M
WEEKS
TIMANI
WEIGHT 122KG
WEIGHT 85KG
MARIKA
MATT
MICHAEL
RURU
FOU
POSITION WING
POSITION LOCK
POSITION SCRUMHALF
POSITION WINGER
AGE 25
AGE 24
AGE 27
AGE 27
HEIGHT 1.80M
HEIGHT 1.99M
HEIGHT 1.82M
HEIGHT 1.96M
WEIGHT 93KG
WEIGHT 115KG
WEIGHT 93KG
WEIGHT 91KG
PONE
REECE
RICHARD
ROB
POSITION LOCK
POSITION CENTRE
POSITION FLANKER
POSITION BACK ROW
AGE 23
AGE 23
AGE 21
HEIGHT 1.83M
HEIGHT 1.90M
KOROIBETE
FA’AMAUSILI
AGE 20 HEIGHT 1.96M WEIGHT 138KG
10
JACK
PHILIP
HODGE
HEIGHT 1.91M WEIGHT 94KG
HARDWICK
WEIGHT 103KG
PAMA
LEOTA
WEIGHT 110KG
ROSS HAYLETT-PETTY
SAM
SAM
SAMA
POSITION BACK ROW
POSITION LOCK
POSITION PROP
POSITION HOOKER
AGE 24
AGE 25
AGE 26
AGE 20
HEIGHT 2.00M
HEIGHT 1.83M
HEIGHT 1.83M
WEIGHT 117KG
WEIGHT 116KG
WEIGHT 109KG
HEIGHT 1.97M WEIGHT 118KG
JEFFRIES
TALAKAI
MALOLO
SEFA
SEMISI
SIONE
TAYLER
POSITION WING
POSITION WING
POSITION CENTRE
POSITION FLYHALF
AGE 26
AGE 18
AGE 21
AGE 24
HEIGHT 1.86M
HEIGHT 1.84M
HEIGHT 1.79M
HEIGHT 1.79M
WEIGHT 101KG
WEIGHT 94KG
WEIGHT 101KG
WEIGHT 81KG
TETERA
TOM
TOM
TREVOR
POSITION CENTRE
POSITION PROP
POSITION LOCK
AGE 27
AGE 24
AGE 18
HEIGHT 1.89M
HEIGHT 2.01M
WEIGHT 120KG
WEIGHT 110KG
NAIVALU
FAULKNER POSITION PROP AGE 29 HEIGHT 1.79M WEIGHT 117KG
WILL
GENIA POSITION SCRUMHALF AGE 30 HEIGHT 1.74M WEIGHT 82KG
TUPOU
ENGLISH
HEIGHT 1.87M WEIGHT 95KG
TUIPULOTU
MOLONEY
ADAMS
HOSEA
WANT TO FOLLOW YOUR FAVOURITE PLAYER ACROSS THE 2018 SUPER RUGBY SEASON? KEEP AN EYE ON MELBOURNEREBELS.COM/TEAM/PLAYERS OR FOLLOW US ON TWITTER, FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM @MELBOURNEREBELS
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7.40PM FRIDAY 23 MARCH AAMI PARK, MELBOURNE
1
MELBOURNE REBELS Tetera Faulkner
2
Anaru Rangi
3
Jermaine Ainsley
4
Geoff Parling
5
Adam Coleman (C)
6
Angus Cottrell
7
Colby Fainga’a
8
Amanaki Mafi
9
Will Genia
10
Jack Debreczeni
11
Marika Koroibete
12
Billy Meakes
13
Reece Hodge
14
Sefa Naivalu
15
Jack Maddocks
KEEP SCORE TRIES PENALTY GOALS CONVERSIONS DROP GOALS TURNOVERS
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LINEBREAKS
TOTAL
KEEP AN EYE ON REECE HODGE
RESERVES 16 Mahe Vailanu 17 Fereti Sa’aga 18 Sam Talakai 19 Matt Philip 20 Ross Haylett-Petty 21 Richard Hardwick 22 Michael Ruru 23 Tom English
OFF-FIELD TEAM Head Coach: Dave Wessels Assistant Coaches: Joe Barakat, Shaun Berne, Kevin Foote Head of Performance: Will Markwick Player Development Coach: Craig McGrath Head of S&C: Shane Lehane Team Director: Tony Thorpe Logistics Manager: Mark Rowe Head Performance Analyst: Eoin Toolan Doctor: Dr. Bryn Savill Head Physio: Cullan Ball GM Rugby: Nick Ryan
TEAM LISTS
KEEP AN EYE ON TENDAI “BEAST” MTAWARIRA
RESERV RESERVES RESERVES 16 Franco Marais 17 Juan Schoeman 18 John-Hubert Meyer 19 Hyron Andrews 20 Wian Vosloo 21 Cameron Wright 22 Kobus van Wyk 23 Garth April
OFF-FIELD TEAM Head Coach: Robert du Preez Assistant Coaches: Dick Muir, Braam Van Straaten, Jaco Pienaar Team Manager: Trevor Barnes Match Manager: Piet Strydom Analyst: Adrian Carolan Ath Performance Media Manager: Novashni Chetty Doctor: Dr Alan Kourie Physio: Deane Macquet, Callie Hugo
1
SHARKS REDS QUEENSLAND Tendai Mtawarira
2 3 4
Akker van der Merwe
5 6
Stephan Lewies Jacques Vermeulen
7
Jean-Luc du Preez
8
Tera Mtembu
9
Louis Schreuder
10 11 12 13
Robert du Preez
14 15
Sbu Nkosi
KEEP SCORE
Thomas du Toit Ruan Botha (C)
Lwazi Mvovo Marius Louw Lukhanyo Am Curwin Bosch TOTAL
TRIES PENALTY GOALS CONVERSIONS DROP GOALS TURNOVERS LINEBREAKS
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THIS SEASON’S UNBEATABLE FIELD PERFORMERS
6. 7. 8. 9. 0. 1. 2.
Folau Fainga’a Faalelei Sione Leslie Leuluaialii-Makin Richie Arnold Tom Cusack Matt Lucas Wharenui Hawera
3.
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WEEK BY WEEK UPCOMING 2018 MATCHES
STORY
REBEL MILESTONES SET TO CONTINUE
The Melbourne Rebels are proud to celebrate a series of milestones which have occurred both on and off the field in 2018. After recording a club milestone with three straight wins to start off the 2018 Vodafone Super Rugby season, the Rebels have continued to re-write their own history as the organisation continues its promising start in a new era.
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Tonight will also mark the run-on debuts for England international Geoff Parling and centre Billy Meakes, who will take their place in the Rebels starting 15 for the first time. Last weekend, centre Tom English equalled Scott Higginbotham and Hodges as the club’s leading try scorer with 15.
Reece Hodge is on the verge of setting a new club record.
Rising star Mahe Vailanu’s debut off the bench last weekend against the Waratahs also marked the 130th player to represent the club.
Hodge needs just three more points to surpass Jason Woodward’s 210 points for the Rebels and become the leading points scorer in club history.
In a sign of the club’s growth as an organisation off the field, the Rebels have also surpassed 12,500 members for the 2018 season.
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SEE YOU AT OUR NEXT HOME GAMES
WOMENS
REBELS WOMENS V BRUMBIES WOMENS
FRI 30 MARCH
5PM | AAMI PARK
#REBVHUR
REBELS V HURRICANES
FRI 30 MARCH
7.40PM | AAMI PARK
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YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK The Melbourne Rebels are proud to host the Young Professionals Network (YPN) this season. YPN is a group of young and likeminded professionals with a passion for the business of Rugby. This is the first initiative of its kind taken on by the Club and we are proud to host the below members. If you would like to join or learn more, please contact: sam.webb@melbournerebels.com.au Rory Doran Jarrod Magee Tim Dowling Rosie Brown Carlee Speck Adam North Dylan Gray Joel Gray Alistair Mairs
Charlie Egan Howard Baynie Rob Morrison Hugh Doyle Eric Fransella Clare Johnston Jarrod Farey James Lazarus Henry Burbury
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