OFFICIAL PROGRAM #REBvCRU
MELBOURNE REBELS V
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WELCOME REBELS V CRUSADERS FRIDAY 4 MAY PROGRAM CONTENTS Welcome
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Major Partner Announced 4
Where are they now?
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Rugby VIC
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2018 Rebels Squad
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2018 Fixture
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REBvCRU line-up
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Talakai 50 Caps
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Rebels Merchandise
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Next Home Game
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Future Wallaroos
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Junior Wallabies
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Tetera Faulker Editorial
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Sponsors
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Weary Dunlop Test Lunch
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Design & Pre-Press Sarah Fulham Content Creation Matthew Lodge Brynn O’Connor Aaron Buxton Images Getty Images, Mike Baker, Dave Callow, Michael Rummery, Andrew Stevenson
Welcome back to The Stockade as we bring an exciting week at Melbourne Rebels HQ to a climax, hosting eight-time Super Rugby champions, the Crusaders tonight. The Club is delighted to have made a number of significant announcements this week, headlined by welcoming our new major partners, Legacy Property and Investment Group. The new partnership is unique to the Super Rugby competition, the game of rugby and is the biggest of its kind in Australian sport and will deliver a ground-breaking program of community initiatives designed to promote inclusion and combat social inequity, violence and injustice. The partnership includes financial support across the start-up Legacy Elite Rugby Academy, our existing schools pathway programs, Rugby Victoria’s Quilt program and a contribution to the development of the State Centre for Rugby in Bundoora. Significantly, the back of the Melbourne Rebels playing jersey will be emblazoned with the hashtag, #NoToViolence. On Wednesday, Victorian-grown product Jordan Uelese helped officially launch the partnership with members of the Victorian rugby community. We further strengthened our offfield position, welcoming Brighton Renault as our car partner for the next two years. As the largest automotive company in the world, Renault’s value of passion, aligns perfectly with our own and we look forward an ongoing relationship and support of the dealership in Melbourne’s south-east suburbs. On-field, the players have returned from South Africa hungry and excited to play in front of a home crowd, as we look to rediscover winning form. We have been bolstered by the mid-season signing of former Wallabies hooker, Nathan Charles, who is set to make his Rebels debut tonight. Nathan brings a wealth of
experience after stints in England and France, as well as depth into our hooker ranks. Nathan’s signing speaks volumes to the club culture being built at the Melbourne Rebels, and to being a club that attracts players to want to play here. This has been further reinforced by the dual resigning of Jermaine Ainsley and Semisi Tupou – both players will call Melbourne home until the end of 2020. Jermaine has been a wonderful addition since his arrival at the start of the season, and it is a big boost to Australian rugby that he will remain in Melbourne to continue his development and push toward higher honours. Semisi’s determination since his first day at the club has belied his young age, as exemplified by forcing his way into the playing 23 in South Africa and again being named on the bench tonight. And lastly, two of young guns Trevor Hosea and Esei Ha’angana are currently on the Gold Coast representing the Junior Wallabies in the Oceania Rugby U20s Championships. Trevor scored a brace in the win over Fiji, while Esei was elected captain of the team who accounted for Tonga in the opening match. We reference the output of our rugby program based on the number of players that we can send to higher honours. It’s a great credit to not only Esei, Trevor and Semisi, but also Harrison Goddard and our most recent debutant, Sama Malolo, who featured for the Rebels in South Africa. It’s been a big week at the Rebels. We hope you enjoy tonight’s match. Baden Stephenson CEO Melbourne Rebels
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FEATURE STORY MELBOURNE REBELS & LEGACY PROPERTY AND INVESTMENT GROUP
PartnershipAnnouncement
The Melbourne Rebels are delighted to announce that Legacy Property and Investment Group will partner with the Club and Rugby Victoria for the 2018 and 2019 seasons. The new partnership is unique to the Super Rugby competition, the game of rugby and is the biggest of its kind in Australian sport and will deliver a groundbreaking program of community initiatives designed to promote inclusion and combat social inequity, violence and injustice. The partnership with Legacy Property and Investment Group includes: - Financial support through the Legacy Elite Rugby Academy to the pathway for young players of Pacific Island and non-Pacific Island heritage from the grassroots level through to the top-flight Super Rugby and international arenas - Funding for Rugby Victoria’s Quilt Program – a revolutionary initiative in support of a zero-tolerance approach to domestic violence against women
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- Contribution to the development of the State Centre for Rugby at Bundoora in partnership with La Trobe University, which will include purpose-built facilities for the delivery of Pacific Islander inclusion, social connection and education programs - Supporting the ongoing growth of existing pathway programs in schools (such as Fountain Gate Secondary College) to align with the Legacy Academy and Quilt Program Significantly, the back of the Melbourne Rebels playing jersey will be emblazoned with the hashtag, #NoToViolence. Legacy Property and Investment Group’s mission is to support families and individuals who experience social, economic and institutional exclusions and injustices in the migration and settlement process in Australia and abroad. The company acts to engage business entities to invest in assisting young people, families and communities of Pacific Island heritage. Melbourne Rebels Chief Executive Officer, Baden Stephenson said: “This is a ground breaking and historic partnership that reflects our unshakeable commitment to resource, support and engage the Pacific Island and broader community.
pathways and high performance. “We are delighted to partner with Legacy Property and Investment Group to make Victoria a national and international leader in game and community development. “It is very special that the company’s values and vision directly align with the Rebels’ own. “Together with Legacy Property and Investment Group we will deliver the best rugby program in the country, develop Wallabies, grow the game and help create better opportunities for our diverse communities.” Legacy Property and Investment Group Chief Operations Officer, Jimaima Le Grand, said: “We are very excited to join forces with the Melbourne Rebels in a partnership that will extend well beyond traditional sponsorship benefits and models. “The Melbourne Rebels and – in particular, their players of Pacific Island heritage – are role models for young people in the Pacific Island community, many of whom look to these individuals for the courage and inspiration to reach their aspirations both on and off the field.
“It is a first for rugby that will influence and drive significant outcomes in the community, elite
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FEATURE STORY
WHERE ARE THEY NOW
JP Du Plessis
What have you been up to since finishing up with the Rebels? Since leaving the Rebels at the end of 2011, I joined the Stormers for two season, and played for Montpellier (in France) for a season. I also married my high school sweetheart, had our first baby girl and we are currently expecting our second one. I am currently settled in Stellenbosch in Western Cape (South Africa – about 30 mins drive from where the team is staying this week) and own two restaurants.
Best Rebels victory you were a part of, and memories of that game? My best memory with the Rebels must be the victory over Hurricanes (2011) in which I also made my Super Rugby debut. As a 19 year old boy, sharing that experience with some of my best mates at the Rebels the
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Funniest off field memory whilst at the Rebels?
Our end of season party. Long story short, at the end of the day we got a lift back to the stadium. On our way to the stadium we drove past the head coach (Rod McQueen) walking back. We decided to give him a lift, but due to a lack of space left in the car, coach Rob ended up sitting on my lap. ward for me, especially seeing that I took coach Rob as a very serious man, and I had not really spoken to him much during the season. Anyway, the trip ended up with us having a good chat and laugh about things.
Favourite Rebels team mate and why? It has to be Luke Jones. He was my best mate – we were always hanging out together. He introduced me to the ‘Aussie ways’ and made my stay in Australia memorable. He invited me to his family’s home (in Sydney) a couple of times and his family really took me in. This was really special for me.
On the field, who was the most inspiring team mate you played with and why? I really looked up to Stirling Mortlock. He was always one of the hardest working players. He was the first guy to arrive in the gym and the last one to leave. He had the ability to have fun and be relaxed off the field, but switch on immediately as soon as he hit the pitch. Also because he was one of the best in the world in my preferred position (outside centre), so to see how he did things really inspired me as a 19 year old player.
In the current Rebels squad, who’s your favourite player to watch each week and why? Will Genia. He’s in great form at the moment. I can definitely see the impact he has on the tempo of the game, and his decision making is usually spot on.
Do you have a message to the Rebels supporters? There is no doubt that Melbournians love their sport, and thus the Rebels has some of the most loyal supporters. My message to them is to just continue the great support, keep filling up AAMI Park, because as a player it means a lot to see
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Do YOU want to play Rugby in 2018?
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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
BEN
BILLY
COLBY
POSITION PROP
POSITION CENTRE
POSITION FLANKER
AGE 29
AGE 27
AGE 27
AGE 28
HEIGHT 1.84M
HEIGHT 1.88M
HEIGHT 1.83M
HEIGHT 1.90M
WEIGHT 111KG
WEIGHT 100KG
WEIGHT 101KG
WEIGHT 100KG
COLEMAN
DALEY
MAFI
MEAKES
RANGI
FAINGA’A
COTTRELL
DANE
HAYLETT-PETTY POSITION FULLBACK
DAVID
DOM
ESEI
FERETI
POSITION CENTRE
POSITION WING
POSITION LOCK
POSITION PROP
AGE 23
AGE 27
AGE 19
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 20
AGE 21
AGE 20
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
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JACK
JERMAINE
POSITION FLYHALF
POSITION FULLBACK
POSITION FLYHALF
POSITION PROP
AGE 24
AGE 21
AGE 21
AGE 22
HEIGHT 1.94M
HEIGHT 1.78M
HEIGHT 1.80M
WEIGHT 85KG
WEIGHT 115KG
JACK
DEBRECZENI
HEIGHT 1.92M 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 32
AGE 27
HEIGHT 1.89M
HEIGHT 1.94M
HEIGHT 1.80M
HEIGHT 1.93M
WEIGHT 115KG
WEIGHT 124KG
UELESE
RATU
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 21
AGE 23
AGE 23
AGE 21
HEIGHT 1.83M
HEIGHT 1.90M
KOROIBETE
FA’AMAUSILI
HEIGHT 1.96M WEIGHT 138KG
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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
SEFA
NAIVALU POSITION WING AGE 26 HEIGHT 1.86M
JEFFRIES
TALAKAI
MALOLO
SEMISI
SIONE
TAYLER
POSITION WING
POSITION CENTRE
POSITION FLYHALF
AGE 19
AGE 21
AGE 24
HEIGHT 1.79M
HEIGHT 1.79M
WEIGHT 101KG
WEIGHT 81KG
TUPOU
HEIGHT 1.84M
TUIPULOTU
ADAMS
WEIGHT 101KG
WEIGHT 94KG
TETERA
TOM
TOM
TREVOR
POSITION PROP
POSITION CENTRE
POSITION PROP
POSITION LOCK
AGE 29
AGE 27
AGE 24
AGE 18
HEIGHT 1.89M
HEIGHT 2.01M
WEIGHT 120KG
WEIGHT 110KG
FAULKNER
HEIGHT 1.79M WEIGHT 117KG
WILL
GENIA POSITION SCRUMHALF AGE 30 HEIGHT 1.74M WEIGHT 82KG
ENGLISH
HEIGHT 1.87M WEIGHT 95KG
MOLONEY
HOSEA
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WEEK BY WEEK UPCOMING 2018 MATCHES
The Wallabies Australian Rugby Team
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7.40PM FRIDAY 4 MAY AAMI PARK, MELBOURNE
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MELBOURNE REBELS Fereti Sa’aga
2
Anaru Rangi
3
Sam Talakai
4
Geoff Parling
5
Adam Coleman (C)
6
Angus Cottrell
7
Colby Fainga’a
8
Amanaki Mafi
9
Will Genia
10
Jack Debreczeni
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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 AMANAKI MAFI
RESERVES 16 Nathan Charles 17 Tetera Faulkner 18 Jermaine Ainsley 19 Matt Philip 20 Lopeti Timani 21 Michael Ruru 22 Tom English 23 Semisi Tupou
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 RYAN CROTTY
RESERV RESERVES RESERVES 16 Codie Taylor 17 Harry Allan 18 Michael Alaalatoa 19 Mitchell Dunshea 20 Heiden Bedwell-Curtis 21 Bryn Hall 22 Mitchell Hunt 23 Manasa Mataele
OFF-FIELD TEAM Head Coach: Scott Robertson Assistant Coach: Brad Mooar Forwards Coach: Jason Ryan Backs Coach: Ronan O’Gara Team Manager: Shane Fletcher Team Doctor: Martin Swan Match Manager: Terry Williamson Comms & Media Manager: Chantelle Te Haara
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CQUECRREDS CQUECRREDS CRUSADERS Wyatt Crockett
2 3 4
Andrew Makalio
5 6
Sam Whitelock (C)
7
Matt Todd (VC)
8
Jordan Taufua
9
Mitchell Drummond
10 11 12 13
Richie Mo’unga
14 15
Seta Tamanivalu
KEEP SCORE
.
Owen Franks Scott Barrett Pete Samu
George Bridge Ryan Crotty Jack Goodhue David Havili TOTAL
TRIES PENALTY GOALS CONVERSIONS DROP GOALS TURNOVERS LINEBREAKS
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STORY
SAM TALAKAI
50 Super Rugby caps
The Melbourne Rebels celebrated a second successive player milestone last week against the Stormers, as prop Sam Talakai notched up 50 Super Rugby appearances. Talakai made his tenth appearance in Rebels colours against the Cape Town side, after 40 Super Rugby appearances with the Queensland Reds since his top-flight rugby debut in 2015. The highly popular front rower joined the NSW Waratahs for a sole appearance against the British and Irish Lions before heading north to play with National Rugby Championship side, Brisbane City. Talakai was then selected into the Reds, before making his move to Melbourne at the start of the 2018 season. Reflecting on the milestone, Talakai said it was “pretty crazy” and “pretty surreal. “I didn’t know it was going to come this quick. The most important thing for me has been to make lifelong friends along the way.
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From my academy days at the Waratahs, leading into plenty of the years at
the Reds and now here – I’ve made a lot of friends that I’ll have after rugby. Those times you share in the locker rooms are pretty special moments; before your run out on the field. After the wins, and even after the losses…it’s something that stays with you along the way. Just having those moments with the boys in the locker room is a big one.” Now at his third club, Talakai said the bond between the playing group stood out at the Rebels as a point of difference to his previous two Super Rugby clubs. “Relatively, we’re a new club and with a lot of people coming from different places, it has sort of been weird at the start of the season. “But just the growth that we’ve had a group and as a playing squad, and even as an organisation – even the CEO and the Board – it’s just been something that I’ve never come across; just our close we’ve come as a group. It will tell in years to come. This place is going to places and I’m happy to be a part of right now.”
special, I mean this guy had just arrived in the team. The boys really respond to him, he has got an incredible emotional IQ. He is a real leader of men and we are very fortunate to have him as part of our group, not only on-field, but probably more so off-the-field. He’s a very special guy is Sam.” For Talakai, it’s never been about him. It’s about those closest to him. “It’s literally, you are with each other 24-7 (on tour). Normally at training, you usually have three or four hours with them and then you have a break. But on tour, it’s good fun – you give time to other people in the squad; time you normally wouldn’t give when you’re back at home. We have to stick tight as a group. There’s all the fun stuff: go to dinners, eat breakfast together, swim in the pool, recover – that’s all good things that we have the opportunity to do that we have playing professional sport. “It’s all about the people that helped me get there (to my 50th appearance). My girlfriend Ella, my parents, my brothers and sisters and all my family have all been with me from day one. As it is a 50th cap for me, it’s a 50th cap for all of us.”
Head Coach Dave Wessels paid tribute to his front-rower. One moment in particular stuck in his mind. “I remember a story about Sammy. He joined us from the Reds in the early part of the pre-season,” Wessels recounted. “On his first or second day he pulled all the Islander boys together and had a meeting, and got them to commit to a few things. That was pretty
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REBELS V SUNWOLVES
FRI 25 MAY
7.40PM | AAMI PARK
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STORY
REBELS NAMED IN
Buildcorp Wallaroos Squad
Melbourne Rebels Womens duo Georgia Cormick and Alice Tonumaivao have been named in the Buildcorp Wallaroos extended playing squad. The call-up is a great reward for Rebels Womens half back, Cormick from the Melbourne Unicorns in the Lindroth Cup. The 22-year-old was a 2018 Weary Dunlop Foundation recipient and also claimed the Best Back Award for the Rebels Women’s side. The training program will be held before a finalised squad gathers in camp in August ahead of the two match Series against New Zealand’s Black Ferns. Buildcorp Wallaroos Head Coach, Dwayne Nestor said: “We have named a squad with one eye on success in 2018 and one eye on developing players for the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
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Melbourne Rebels Super W Head Coach, Alana Thomas said: “It is fantastic to see both Alice and Georgia achieve selection as they have been form players during the Super W competition. Both players work hard and are always looking to improve their game. These selections really show that Super W is a genuine pathway that we have been looking for.”
TWO REBEL
Junior Wallabies Two Melbourne Rebels young guns have been representing the Junior Wallabies squad for the Oceania Rugby U20s Championship. Back rower Esei Ha’angana and lock Trevor Hosea were selected in the 32-man squad. Melbourne Rebels General Manager – Rugby, Nick Ryan said: “It’s a great reward for Esei and Trevor to be able to further development playing against opposition of international quality, which will hold the players and the club in great stead for the future. Junior Wallabies Head Coach Jason Gilmore says the experience of playing against international teams will provide the players with a wonderful opportunity to be exposed to some of Oceania’s best talent. “The Oceania Rugby U20s Championship presents us with the opportunity to continue the progress we have made with quality opposition and each side presents their own different challenge. Next games: Saturday 5 May, 2018 Fiji v Tonga, 5.00pm AEST Australia v New Zealand, 7.00pm AEST
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Faulkner
‘PATCHES’ & SAVING MY CAREER
Every athlete – no matter what level of grade they play – needs a good mentor, and Melbourne Rebels prop Tetera Faulkner is no exception. New Zealand-born, Melbourne-raised, Faulkner’s love for the game has been tested since rising through the Vic Rugby pathways to earn state selection, culminating in appearances for the Australian Under 19’s and Under 20’s teams. “I actually took a year off professional rugby…I just wanted to get my head clear and to refocus and reset my goals.” In his year off, Faulkner returned to Melbourne and decided to continue playing some form of rugby, joining local team Moorabbin Rams Rugby Union Football Club. It was there where he met club assistant coach John ‘Patches’ Eden. “John Eden…he was a coach when I came back. He was probably the main reason why I got back into (playing rugby),” Faulkner said. “I took that year off, but he really put me on the right path again. I don’t think he knows that, but he is someone who I really looked up to. For me, having had a mentor was extremely important to getting me where I am today. If I didn’t have someone like Patches, who helped me through my down times, then I wouldn’t have had the amount of success that I’ve had so far in my career.” After working with Eden closely over 12 months, Faulkner rediscovered his love for the game. After impressing for Southern Districts in the Shute Shield, Faulkner was rewarded with his first Super Rugby contract, signing on with the Western Force in 2011 where he made 70 appearances across seven years. International honours came knocking a few seasons later, when Faulkner’s persistence paid off when he earned his first Wallabies cap in 2014 against Wales.
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