Melbourne Rising 2014

[Melbourne Terrace]

Going to look great with only a couple of thousand there. Shame there is no alternative.

 

[I like to watch]

Will they draw a couple of thousand?
I think the Sydney sides will struggle to get thousands to attend the game with an out of town team.

 

[Train Without a Station]

Didn't the original rebels draw the best crowds of the ARC?

 

[swingpass]

Didn't the original rebels draw the best crowds of the ARC?

yes

 

[Forcefield]

I thought the Perth Spirit did better?

 

[Scooter]

Average ARC home crowds during home and away season that I calculated based on figures on Wikipedia:
Perth Spirit 3,896
Canberra Vikings 3,442
Melbourne Rebels 3,305 (based on 3 matches crowd for match v Rays not included on Wikipedia)
Sydney Fleet 2,658
Ballymore Tornadoes 2,434 (based on 2 matches, crowds for matches v Spirit and Aces not included)
Central Coast Rays 2,323
Western Sydney Rams 1,842
East Coast Aces 1,428 (based on 3 matches, match v Rams not included)

You also have to bear in mind that the ARC was the best rugby Victoria had at that stage except for a Wallaby test once a year.

 

[oztimmay]

Highlander you'll be please to know I bumped into 'Gus Hamilton at my Gym last night. Said he's involved in the rising squad training right now, it all happened for him about a week after he got back. BIG lump of a lad, certainly can move the iron around the Gym. The sleigh got a fair pasting last night. Nice guy too

 

[Scooter]

According to an article on the Roar the Rising website will be up and running on 18 July and the Rising will be launched on 25 July.

Ex-Rebel Michael Lipman is an assistant with North Harbour Rays.

(Not home ground related but didn't think it was worthy of its own thread).

 

[Train Without a Station]

The extended squad have also commenced training too.

 

[swingpass]

I thought the Perth Spirit did better?

TWAS said best, not largest

happy to stand corrected on mumbers, but we had at least 10K against the rays !

 

[Scooter]

Very funny swingpass. I went to the Rays game and for some reason, all these years later, 2,700 sticks in my mind.

 

[Train Without a Station]

The Rebels website have done a great series of articles on the Dewar Shield squad players based on position, which rivals even Lachie Mitchell's musings.

Tight Five

http://www.melbournerebels.com.au/news/article/melbourne-rising-the-tight-five-contenders

Frank Amituanai
Position - Lock
Club - Footscray
Height - 196cm
Weight - 130kg
Age - 28
"After playing in Auckland, 'Big Frank' returned to Dewar Shield Rugby boasting considerable strength. He combines the flair of being able to offload smoothly out of the tackle contest with the basics like moving bodies at the breakdown and an impressive work rate - the prototype modern lock." - Nic Henderson: Head Coach, Footscray Rugby Club
Greg Bauer
Position - Hooker
Club - Box Hill
Height - 180cm
Weight - 103kg
Age - 22
"Greg shows great technique and execution, providing a solid platform for the team to work around at the set piece, while also able to cover ground around the park. He is always willing to work hard on his game has a high work rate - you can always count on him to get the job done." - Andrew Slyfield: Head Coach, Box Hill Rugby Club
Jarrod Eberhart
Position - Hooker
Club - Southern Districts
Height - 176cm
Weight - 104kg
Age - 22
"Jarrod is a young, mobile and robust hooker who motivates those around him with his energy and enthusiasm for the game. A leader at Souths at the young age of 22, 'Buster' leads by example with strong ball carries and a high work rate. Deft skills and a 'will do' attitude enhance his credentials for higher honours." - Ross Sanders: Head Coach, Southern Districts Rugby Club
Angus Hamilton
Position - Lock
Club - Harlequin
Height - 197cm
Weight - 110kg
Age - 23
"Always strong and reliable on his teams own ball at lineout time, the durable lock boasts the menacing ability to win balls against the throw. Around the paddock, Angus is always there doing the hard little things that every team needs - working hard in defence and providing an option as a ball carrier." Brock Parker: Director of Rugby, Harlequin Rugby Club
Kolo Mahe
Position - Hooker
Club - Harlequin
Height - 182cm
Weight - 111kg
Age - 28
"Consistently a standout on game day for his hard hitting defence and strong ball carries, Kolo is enjoying his first season playing in Melbourne since he arrived from the Auckland Marist Club. Having worked hard on his fitness and throwing since his arrival in January, he also has uncanny knack of finding the try line, with 4 tries this season thus far." Brock Parker: Director of Rugby, Harlequin Rugby Club
Matthew Onesemo
Position - Prop
Club - Melbourne Uni
Height - 190cm
Weight - 140kg
Age - 21
"This huge tighthead has been earmarked as the most improved player in the Dewar Shield in the last two years. A 'massive human being', Onesemo possesses the speed of a back rower and is almost impossible to put down one on one. "- Jason Jones: Head Coach, Melbourne Uni Rugby Club
Fereti Sa'aga
Position - Prop
Club - Melbourne Uni
Height - 186cm
Weight - 126kg
Age - 19
"A wide running and mobile prop, Sa'aga carries the ball with vigour and is a physical and imposing presence all over the park. Already boasting international experience, the youthful talent has represented the Australian Schoolboys and most recently Samoa at the 2014 IRB Junior World Cup." - Jason Jones: Head Coach, Melbourne University Rugby Club
Finbar Simpson
Position - Prop
Club - Melbourne
Height - 190cm
Weight - 120kg
Age - 26
"Able to operate on both sides of the scrum, Simpson boasts excellent mobility for a man of his size. Having recently returned from a stint in the Canberra Club competition, the Queensland expat is a tough competitor at the breakdown and dominates collisions in both attack and defence." - Ellis Meachen: Director of Rugby, Melbourne Rugby Club
Dan Squire
Position - Lock
Club - Melbourne
Height - 199cm
Weight - 108kg
Age - 31
"An abrasive and durable player, Squire has exceptional aerial ability and provides a safe haven at line-out time. An old fashioned work horse, he has most recently played for the Manawutu Turbos in the ITM Cup. The lock possesses strong ball running attributes and is rock-solid in defence." - Ellis Meachen: Director of Rugby, Melbourne Rugby Club
Dale Stevenson
Position - Prop
Club - Harlequin
Height - 180cm
Weight - 113kg
Age - 26
"Dale has a successful shot-put career already under his belt - he won Bronze at the Delhi Commonwealth Games and represented Australia at the 2012 London Olympics. Boasting immense power and strength, he has quickly learnt the dark arts of scrums. He is a speedy and mobile prop with a great work rate in defence." Brock Parker: Director of Rugby, Harlequin Rugby Club
Tuiatua Tuia
Position - Prop/Hooker
Club - Moorabbin
Height - 174cm
Weight - 125kg
Age - 25
"Tui is not hard to spot on the field. His hulking stature is deceiving, as he has excellent foot work for a big man. He is a go forward player and is always looking for the ball." Ben Perenise: Head Coach, Moorabbin Rugby Club

Back Row
http://www.melbournerebels.com.au/news/article/melbourne-rising-the-back-row-contenders

Freddie Austin
Club - Melbourne
Position - Flanker/Lock
Height - 193cm
Weight - 100kg
Age - 23
"Freddie is a young utility player who has worked his way through the grades in Melbourne Club Rugby. He is very fit, and has been working hard in gym; Freddie carries well and is honest in defence. He has good speed and makes accurate decisions." - Ellis Meachen: Director of Rugby, Melbourne Rugby Club
Mana Faraimo
Club - Moorabbin
Position - Number Eight/Flanker
Height - 188cm
Weight - 110kg
Age - 26
"Physical specimen who's hard running has not gone unnoticed. Mana only knows one way... forward. Mana's commitment to take his game to the next level is a testament to the extra tailings his does before trainings each night." - Ben Perenise: Head Coach, Moorabbin Rugby Club
OJ Noa
Club - Harlequin
Position - Flanker
Height - 193cm
Weight - 110kg
Age - 25
"One of the standout forwards of the local competition at present. A blindside flanker who is good in the air at lineout, and can break the defensive line and has the speed to capitalise on the chances that come his way. He is also excellent defender who possesses a strong workrate." - Brock Parker: Director of Rugby, Harlequin Rugby Club
Ryan O'Sullivan
Position - Flanker
Club - Melbourne Uni
Height - 185cm
Weight - 99kg
Age - 28
"A tough, old school back rower, O'Sullivan is a menace at the breakdown and brings a physical and aggressive presence to contact. His mobility allows him to maintain a high work rate and tackle count, inducing a dependable and consistent reputation around his Club." - Jason Jones: Head Coach, Melbourne Uni Rugby Club
Reuben Rolleston
Position - Flanker
Club - Endeavour Hills
Height - 183cm
Weight - 95kg
Age - 23
"Rueben leads by example, and is a great role model for the younger blokes in the team. His strengths are his fitness and his ruthless, consistent defence. Maintaining a high work rate constantly, he sets a very high standard for of his fellow players."- John Eden: Head Coach, Endeavour Hills Rugby Club
Pom Simona
Position - Number Eight/Flanker
Club - Harlequin
Height - 187cm
Weight - 110kg
Age - 35
"A hard hitting No.8 or blindside flanker, when Pom throws his shoulder into a ball carrier the whole crowd hears it. Punishing in defence, Pom also boasts a steady and smart rugby brain that he uses to direct the forward park around the paddock. Strong go forward with ball in hand, Pom is a former Captain of the famous Ponsonby Club in Auckland." - Brock Parker: Director of Rugby, Harlequin Rugby Club
Josh Tamanisau
Position - Flanker
Club - Melbourne Uni
Height - 172cm
Weight - 91kg
Age - 26
"A traditional number 7 - scavenger-like in defence - Tamanisau only operates in top gear. His incredible work rate is exemplified in his unparalleled cover defence and strong ball carrying. Mobile and quick around the park, he is almost always the first one at the background. "- Jason Jones: Head Coach, Melbourne uni Rugby Club
Sione Taufa
Position - Flanker/Number Eight
Club - Harlequin
Height - 186cm
Weight - 112kg
Age - 24
"The ability to play anywhere across the backrow, Sione is the busy man at the breakdown and in defence. The robust back rower also has the ability to break the defensive line with ball in hand through fast footwork and is constantly running good support lines. His third season in Melbourne, Sione is one of the most consistent players in the competition." Brock Parker: Director of Rugby, Harlequin Rugby Club
Asema Williams
Position - Number Eight
Club - Footscray
Height - 188cm
Weight - 112kg
Age - 30
"Possessing exceptional leadership qualities, Williams commands the game through his outstanding work rate around the park. While maintaining good mobility and quick feet, he boasts considerable size and strength which aids him in his strong ball carrying abilities and dominant tackling." - Nic Henderson: Head Coach, Footscray Rugby Club

 

[Scooter]

Train without a station I have enjoyed the two articles thus far.

 

[swingpass]

@ Rugby Reg, thank you

 

[en_force_er]

A good policy for me with the Rising would be to not cap any guys over 28 unless it's their 2nd season in Vic (or obviously Rebels contracted), we don't want to waste development opportunities on fly-ins.

 

[Train Without a Station]

For the benefit of those who haven't seen it.

Outside backs

http://www.melbournerebels.com.au/news/article/melbourne-rising-the-outside-back-contenders

Craig Cowley
Position - Fullback/Wing
Club - Melbourne Uni
Height - 180cm
Weight - 78kg
Age - 27
"An astute tactician, Cowley is one of the best defensive fullbacks in the competition. Possessing excellent tackle technique and outstanding positional play, he provides a reliable presence at the back. His attacking threat belies his small frame and he is able to punch through holes well." - Jason Jones: Head Coach, Melbourne Uni Rugby Club
Jarom Halo
Position - Wing
Club - Melbourne Uni
Height - 185cm
Weight - 86kg
Age - 19
"Jerome is a truly gifted player who recently returned from representing Tonga at the Under 20's Championships. He has excellent game sense and foot speed and will always break the first tackle." - Jason Jones, Melbourne Uni Head Coach
Joseph Kamana
Position - Wing/Centre
Club - Moorabbin
Height - 194cm
Weight - 96kg
Age - 23
"Joe's ability to beat players one on one has made him a potent attacking weapon. He challenges defences and always puts his body on the line." Ben Perenise: Head Coach, Moorabbin Rugby Club
Filipe Koroibola
Position - Wing/Fullback
Club - Box Hill
Height - 183cm
Weight - 89kg
Age - 22
"Filipe is a very evasive runner with the ball and is always willing to take the ball into contact. He has a wonderful ability to get himself into the right place at the right time which makes him a fantastic finisher. He is also possesses good positional awareness" - Andrew Slyfield: Head Coach, Box Hill Rugby Club
Heine McFarland
Position - Wing/Centre
Club - Southern Districts
Height - 185cm
Weight - 82kg
Age - 26
"Extremely dangerous with ball in hand on the counter, Heine can finish movements out wide with blistering speed and has the ability to keep the ball alive with clever offloads in contact. He is a solid front on defensive player also with enough speed to turn and chase to make covering tackles." - Ross Sanders: Head Coach, Southern Districts
Sean Mehrtens
Position - Fullback/Wing
Club - Southern Districts
Height - 191cm
Weight - 97kg
Age - 25
"Sean has a booming right boot and kicks nearly as far with his left. Safe under the highball at fullback, he is deft at timing his entries into the backline with precision. Also a big and strong ball runner, Sean is a strong tackler and provides a solid last line of defence." - Ross Sanders: Head Coach, Southern Districts
Sefa Naivalu
Positoin - Centre/Wing
Club - Box Hill
Height - 186cm
Weight -96kg
Age - 22
"Sefa is an exciting outside back who, on attack, can make something out of nothing. His bistering pace is just as effective on defence and gives him the ability to make make unbelieve covering tackles. He is a pleasure to coach." Andrew Slyfield: Head Coach, Box Hill Rugby Club
Junior N'uu
Position - Wing/Fullback
Club - Melbourne Uni
Height - 180cm
Weight - 94kg
Age - 20
"Having represented Samoa at the 2014 IRB Junior World Cup, N'uu boasts incredible attacking flair and astonishing pace. Possessing an extremely tactically astute attacking game, his quick feet allow him to beat defenders himself or create space for teammates to run into and collect a pass." - Jason Jones: Head Coach, Melbourne Uni Rugby Club
Ioane Perenise
Position - Wing/Fullback
Club - Moorabbin
Height - 187cm
Weight - 85kg
Age - 25
"Ioane is all about speed. Very light on his feet, he tends to find his way around teams. He's expanded his game more this season, getting heavily involved with the rough stuff." Ben Perenise: Head Coach, Moorabbin Rugby Club
Bill Valetini
Position - Wing/Centre
Club - Harlequin
Height - 190cm
Weight - 119kg
Age - 19
"Billy has spent the majority of the season on the sidelines recovering from a knee reconstruction. When fit, he is the complete package on the wing - big, fast, skilful and aggressive - the Fijian version of Julian Savea. Has that ability to score a try out of nothing - hopefully will make a full recovery from his knee operation and then this kid could deliver big things." - Brock Parker: Director of Rugby, Harlequin Rugby Club
Toese Vousiutu
Position - Fullback/Wing
Club - Endeavour Hills
Height - 190cm
Weight - 100kg
Age - 23
"Toese is big and strong, attributes forming him into a powerful ball runner. He often beats defenders one on one and is very hard to put down. After two years at Randwick he has returned a polished uncompromising player." - John Eden: Head Coach, Endeavour Hills Rugby Club
Neil Walsh
Position - Wing/Centre
Club - Melbourne
Height - 180cm
Weight - 90kg
Age - 29
"Having recently returned from a professional stint with Ulster in Ireland's RaboDirect Pro 12 competition, Walsh has already demonstrated his extensive abilities on an international stage. A classy and determined player, he certainly pulls his weight in defence as well." - Ellis Meachen: Director of Rugby, Melbourne Rugby Club

Inside Backs
http://www.melbournerebels.com.au/news/article/melbourne-rising-the-inside-back-contenders

Karl Balemi
Position - Scrumhalf
Club - Melbourne
Height - 176cm
Weight - 85kg
Age - 25
"Karl possesses explosive speed, which allows him to snipe around the breakdowns most effectively. He is an excellent defender who has good length in his pass." - Ellis Meachen, Director of Rugby Melbourne Rugby Club
Sean Cressy
Position - Flyhalf
Club - Power House
Height - 170cm
Weight - 82kg
Age - 25
"Possessing an exceptional rugby brain, Cressy's ability to read the game is arguably the most developed in Dewar Shield. Exceptionally skilful with ball in hand, the deceptively quick tactician boasts an uncompromising dummy." - Glen Fowles: Head Coach, Power House Rugby Club
Mika Faamausili
Position - Centre
Club - Melbourne
Height - 183cm
Weight - 105kg
Age - 24
"The durable midfielder is an exceptionally strong ball runner, an attribute aided by his excellent acceleration. A brilliant finisher, Faamausili boasts a dominant fends which tears defensive lines apart. While strong in attack, he also leads the defensive line well and is astute at the breakdown." - Ellis Meachen: Director of Rugby, Melbourne Rugby Club
Malofou Feterika
Position - Centre
Club - Southern Districts
Height - 170cm
Weight - 108kg
Age - 25
"An extremely strong ball carrier, Malo has the ability to trouble defensive lines up the middle with clever footwork or finish backline movements out wide with exceptional acceleration. He is a truly versatile player who would compliment any backline." - Ross Sanders: Head Coach, Southern Districts Rugby Club
Shane Imo
Position - Flyhalf, Centre
Club - Footscray
Height - 172cm
Weight - 95kg
Age - 24
"An exceptional tactical kicking ability to his name, Imo is always an attacking threat with ball in hand and is a reliable and consistent performer. He has the ability to control play well and possesses an intelligent rugby mind - making him a dangerous counter attacking play-maker." - Nic Henderson: Head Coach, Footscray Rugby Club
Lloyd Johansson
Position - Centre/Flyhalf
Club - Harlequin
Height - 181cm
Weight - 115kg
Age - 29
"Switching between Flyhalf and Centre, Lloyd uses his array of skills to great effect. Both the precision of his passing and kicking games are underrated and he may be better known for his raw power in his running game or hitting in defence - Lloyd possess all the skills a player needs." - Brock Parker: Director of Rugby, Harlequin Rugby Club
Rennie Lautolo-Molimau
Position - Centre
Club - Endeavour Hills
Height - 99kg
Weight - 181cm
Age - 22
"Rennie is a strong and uncompromising runner with the ball. Having played two seasons with Randwick 1sts in Sydney's Shute Shield, he has matured markedly in regard to his decision making. An excellent leader within the team, he has an excellent workrate." - John Eden: Head Coach, Endeavour Hills Rugby Club
Martin Naufahu
Position - Flyhalf/Centre
Club - Footscray
Height - 185cm
Weight - 98kg
Age - 24
"The New Zealander has improved markedly over the last twelve months to grow into one of the competitions most consistent performers. An extremely sturdy tackler, Naufahu provides a dominant force in the back line while being an agile ball runner capable of breaking the line." - Nic Henderson: Head Coach, Footscray Rugby Club
Junior Paila
Position - Scrumhalf
Club - Endeavour Hills
Height - 174cm
Weight - 91kg
Age - 24
"Junior is improving every year and this was shown in him winning "VRU Player of the Year" in the 2013 season. He is beginning to grow his skill set and has great variety in his game. He is also a solid defender close to the ruck." - John Eden: Head Coach, Endeavour Hills Rugby Club
Taofiga Sa
Position - Centre/Back Row
Club - Power House
Height - 184cm
Weight - 102kg
Age - 32
"While he is most comfortable wearing the 13 jersey, Sa can operate effectively all over the pitch - even the back row if need be! The ex Queensland Country representative plays a high energy and physical game and is by no means afraid to throw his weight around in defence." - Glen Fowles: Head Coach, Power House Rugby Club
Chris Slade
Position - Centre/ Fullback
Club - Melbourne
Height - 192cm
Weight - 100kg
Age - 29
"A player who has been a part of the Rebels wider training group in recent years, Slade is a well known name across the competition. Able to play a wide ranging mix of positions all across the back line, the New Zealander blends skilful flair with outright power to provide a headache for defenders." - Ellis Meachen: Director of Rugby, Melbourne Rugby Club
Patolo Toeta
Position - Flyhalf/Fullback
Club - Moorabbin
Height - 183cm
Weight - 98kg
Age - 19
"Pat possesses a unique ability to see space and create attacking opportunities from anywhere on the field; this makes him one of the most dangerous players in Victoria. Apart from his attacking ability he is deceptively hard in the tackle and strong at the breakdown. His kicking game and team organisational skills have improved immensely over the past two years." Tyronne Mitchell: Head Coach, Melbourne Rebels U20s.
Kemueli Valetini
Position - Centre/Flyhalf
Club - Harlequin
Height - 186cm
Weight - 112kg
Age - 20
"Still of Colts age, Kemu has already been on the scene for many years playing for the Rising since 2012 and for the Rebels in trials in 2013. While big, fast and powerful with ball in hand, he also has a sublime passing and kicking game in his armoury of talents." - Brock Parker: Director of Rugby, Harlequin Rugby Club
Lualua Vailoaloa
Position - Scrumhalf/Flanker
Club - Moorabbin
Height - 180cm
Weight - 94kg
Age - 34
"Hugely experienced scrumhalf who can control the forward pack, and acts as another loose forward with his defence. Lua has proven himself at both Club and representative level. Makes good decisions for his team mates." Ben Perenise: Head Coach, Moorabbin Rugby Club
Savenacca Waqalutuduadua
Position - Wing/Centre
Club - Box Hill
Height - 183cm
Weight - 98kg
Age - 27
"Save is a strong ball carrier with great acceleration and possesses the ability to beat players around the outside with sheer pace. He is an important member of the leadership group and is great communicator on the field. He is able to pulls his load in defence as well." - Andrew Slyfield: Head Coach, Box Hills Rugby Club

 

[daz]

Well, me and Mrs daz are now season ticket holders for the Rising.

If 4 home games can be considered a season, that is.

 

[swingpass]

so who are going to be the 16 Rebels contracted players ?

clearly there needs to be a balance between resting, developing the squad, giving locals a go, and trying to strengthen the rebels weaknesses

of the rebels who didn't get a lot of game time this year and considering who has departed and who is coming next year

if you assume that ellison, fuglistaller (needs a rest), sau, horie are not available, kingston is injured, higginbotham and jones likely to be with the wallabies it leaves about 20 others.

sexton, timani and jeffries definitely need game time as does lahiff. i'd also
keep leafa, neville, faainga and reid. ah nau ?

meehan and stirzaker, hegarty, debreczeni, english and inman i'd keep also. veainu also needs more game time. thats 16 !

or do you keep the good props, ie smith, PAE and weekes (or rest them) and ditch ah nau and lahiff ?

tough choices

of course neville, leafa, reid have strong manly ties = Nth Harbour Rays

 

[daz]

You didn't hear it from me, but Mitch will be in.

 

[Train Without a Station]

That's it, I'm going to tell everybody in town willing to listen, that Mitch Inman is playing for Rising, and that Daz told me!