Melbourne Rebels Players - where are they going?

[Slim 293]

https://www.theroar.com.au/2024/07/18/scrum-doctor-labels-thor-most-powerful-ever-as-tahs-front-row-crisis-to-become-a-world-force/

Waratahs poised to sign Tupou, scrum guru lauds Thor’s ‘explosive power’

The ‘Tongan Thor’ - Taniela Tupou - and a 21-year-old Wallabies debutant are among a group of Rebels players closing in on deals to play in sky blue.

www.theage.com.au

 

[Wilson]

Kailea or Tupou? Tupou returning to the Reds was never on the cards, Kailea might have been but there was only ever room for one loosehead, Gibbon has filled that role.

 

[TSR]

I completely understand the players reluctance to head to the Tahs but if, as seems to be the case, the Tahs pick up the 6 or 7 players that are being discussed and particularly if Leota is one of them then they should actually have a strong side next year with a good coach who has been part of a program with a history of developing talent.

They’ll have a world class front row (might depend on Tupou’s level of motivation) and a decent backrow. Their backline will have plenty of class.

As seems to have been the case for 10 yrs lock, depth and how well their 10 plays will be critical and McKellar, like any coach, probably needs a years grace but hopefully he can at least turn around the reputation of the Tahs so it starts being a place people want to go again.

Not saying at all that expectations should be high but, to me, the critical thing is McKellar makes it a place people want to be.

 

[Jimmyjam]

Any player who signed to play for the Rebels (excluding those who are locally produced) have zero cred if complaining about the Tahs as a destination. Sadly, the Rebels have been a poor outfit since day 1. The Tahs have had a few poor recent seasons with some negligent recruitment decisions on coaching staff and players. This year they had some solid performances early but with the horrendous injury toll they never hit their straps. However comparing the 2 sides as a rugby destination is chalk and cheese... and not in favor of the Rebels.

 

[Highlander35]

Most of the time you don't think about someone's age on here unless they specifically mention a life or rugby experience or some other context like kids or uni brings it up.

But you can smell the gammon on that post.

 

[Wilson]

Any player who signed to play for the Rebels (excluding those who are locally produced) have zero cred if complaining about the Tahs as a destination.

It's true, once you work at a shit workplace you lose all agency in future employment choices and must work for any other shitty employer that offers you a job. You definitely can't learn from the experience and be circumspect when choosing future employers.

 

[Members Section]

...complaining about the Tahs as a destination...

29 of the last 30 years says different

 

[Linerunner2023]

It's an interesting position to be in. It probably makes sense for both in this coming year, but it's difficult to see someone in France not offering Tupou big bucks. And even if you take money out of the equation the Tahs is a weird place for Kailea to be, the Tahs having two internally highly related looseheads in Bell and (for some reason) Lambert.

This will be an issue anywhere with players particularly wallabies players moving to clubs who have wallabies players in those current positions
Reds have seen it allready
A good issue to have for depth but there will be bigger competition for spots at the rosters next year

 

[Rebel man]

Yeah the Tahs, the same club that told Angus Crichton fuck off the Shute Shield and come back when he is ready to play at Super level. Nothing stacks up in favour of the Tahs.

 

[Jimmyjam]

Most of the time you don't think about someone's age on here unless they specifically mention a life or rugby experience or some other context like kids or uni brings it up.

But you can smell the gammon on that post.

try playing the ball rather than the man....

 

[Jimmyjam]

29 of the last 30 years says different

Really? Waratahs have one championship, 3 x finals, 9 x times into the Semi Finals. But believe whatever makes you feel better mate.

 

[Derpus]

I mean you'd certainly prefer the Tahs if their historical success was your primary method of evaluating them as a potential destination.

Not sure why it would be, though. They are fucking rank.

 

[Highlander35]

Putting aside all the other nonsense, it doesn't sound like extensions are forthcoming for anybody: just the establishment looking to take over existing 2nd or 3rd year of deals.

Can't possibly imagine why a player would perhaps think that moving to new city which is more expensive to live the same lifestyle in, without a job for your partner, needing to find a new place to live, typically still being away from any friends and family you've made, without any guarantee that you won't have to do the same thing again in 11-15 months time is not particularly appealing.

 

[Members Section]

Ah so by your measure a club that is spose to be "the heartland of rugby" misses finals more than they make & have over & over ruined young players development is a club of destination

 

[Jimmyjam]

Are we talking about professional rugby players here? Sorry, I thought we were..... happens fairly regularly across club, state and international sport as far as I can tell.

 

[Wilson]

Canham the only one to sign a new longer contract so far, though I wouldn't be surprised if they were still negotiating a few with an extension on the table.

 

[LeCheese]

Doesn't make it any more appealing if there are other options... Can't think of an established player who's moved states for a 1yr deal tbh.

 

[Braveheart81]

Can't possibly imagine why a player would perhaps think that moving to new city which is more expensive to live the same lifestyle in, without a job for your partner, needing to find a new place to live, typically still being away from any friends and family you've made, without any guarantee that you won't have to do the same thing again in 11-15 months time is not particularly appealing.

You would think this is a massive priority for the Tahs once McKellar and Raiwalui are in place. They need to work out who should be retained and make it happen before players start seeking out post 2025 Super Rugby contracts elsewhere.

 

[Highlander35]

Are we talking about professional rugby players here? Sorry, I thought we were..... happens fairly regularly across club, state and international sport as far as I can tell.

Are you presenting an argument in good faith or not? We're not talking about the Nick Jooste journeymen or the talented but unestablished Vaihu's here for whom uncertainty is part of the set of conditions you get to keep playing Rugby professionally.

The vast majority of that contracted core: Uelese, Canham, Daugunu, Tupou, Gibbon, Anderson, Salakaia-Loto, Leota, Fa'amausili & Lancaster, are established or breakthrough players who's performances either this year or over the course of the past several would not require them to take up a single season deal except by active choice.

 

[Derpus]

It's about bargaining power. Players with decent market value will always look for the best conditions they can get to suit their needs.

'But the Tahs used to be good 10 years ago' isn't much of a bargaining chip.