Julian Huxley

[Train Without a Station]

Is it just me or has this guy improved dramatically this season? I always considered him to be a but of a dour type of player, probably more suited to the Northern Hemisphere type game due to his quality kicking, yet still a handy 10 or 15 depending on the style of game.

Last week though he seemed to have quite a good running game from 15 and then this week playing 12, probably his 3rd choice position have seemed to be the catalyst for all of the exciting moments in the Rebels play, putting his body on the line pretty hard with a number of ariel contests and seemed to slot in reasonably well next to Danny Cipriani who can be somewhat erratic and hard to follow.

I considered him a good signing by the Rebels, but really past his best (not because of his brain tumor lay off, more the fact he was wrong side of 30) and at best a handy utility Super Rugby player, however I think this is some of the best Rugby I have seen from him and I honestly don't think he would look out of place in the Wallabies #21 jersey, or even starting at 12 if he can maintain his form in that position.

Maybe I'm jumping the gun a little though. Thoughts

 

[Reddy!]

Huxley played good rugby for the Brumbies and was consistently one of their best performers, which saw him play for the Wallabies in 2007. I don't see why it is any different at the Rebels, but he won't play for the Wallabies again as a lot of water has gone under the bridge since his last international cap. And by water I mean better, younger players.

If he can play like this consistently for the Rebels, however, he is doing his team a great service and good luck to him.

 

[Train Without a Station]

I remember him playing good rugby for the Brumbies. I'm sure he got quite a lot of satisfaction, leading the Brumbies around the park at 10 to their victory over the Eddie Jones coached Reds after Eddie said he didn't consider him a 10 and let him go. I never really felt he had much of a running game or was an exciting player though.

 

[Sully]

He did say the brain Tumor changed his outlook on life. Change his attitude to a lot of things including Rugby. He lives life more and now plays his rugby without fear.

 

[Tangawizi]

He was really playing his best footy shortly before the tumor was discovered and I thought he did a lot of very good things last night too.

If he keeps it up and stays fit all season, his versatility means you couldn't entirely rule him out of making the 30 at the World Cup. He has come along way since slamming his last minute potentially match winning penalty kick into the upright against the Brumbies in 2003 ( & no, he's still not forgiven for that).