Rebels 2019

[oztimmay]

Would never happen. The money would be found.

 

[Tex]

Seems like a bit of a nothing article? Money's tight (which unions aren't cutting costs?), $75k cash is tough to scrounge. Hardly a splash

 

[Rebels3]

It’s a nothing article. The Brumbies said the same thing last week but because papers and websites like the outrage machine it’s been created to shock. It more displays the shitty rugby journalism that we have in Australia. They are great at not positively supporting the game

 

[oztimmay]

From Panda / RugbyCon. Fuckin hell! The Tahs are gonna sign Rob Simmons for 2 more years!!

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...n/news-story/1f0744b967f429e3de89ed870355d7e1

The Rebels are about to land the prized signature of giant second rower Will Skelton in a deal that will allow him to play for the Wallabies at this year’s World Cup. But sources have told Rugby Confidential that there’s a catch.

The 27-year-old lock won’t be heading to Melbourne until the end of the 2021 season after a complicated agreement was reached that will allow Skelton to continue playing for English club Saracens and be eligible for selection for the World Cup.

While it was expected Skelton would most likely return to the Waratahs, Rugby Confidential understands his decision to join the Rebels was made because Rob Simmons is about to sign a two-year extension to remain in NSW.
It’s the latest tweak to the contentious Giteau Law that Michael Cheika introduced to smooth the way for Australia’s European-based players to play at the World Cup.
The rule originally means that only players who had made 60 Test appearances could be considered for selection if they were based overseas.

But the rule has been tweaked to include players who have signed for Australian teams, which will allow Nic White (22 caps) and now Skelton (18 caps) to be considered but could have knock-on effects down the track.

SuperCoach Cheapie Bible Round 12

 

[Rebels3]

Anyone know how accurate this is?

https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/s...e-unable-to-afford-to-host-a-home-finals-game

Concerning if true but surely RA wouldn't let it happen for the sake of $75K?

It’s an article with a lot missing from Stephenson.

In the Australian article he said

Paraphrased
- the Rebels have not asked for any assistance
- He’s confident of the Rebels up until 2021, end of Super Rugby agreement
- Admitted the major sponsor deal didn’t help with it falling apart
- said Rebels had several commercial deals with Japanese relationships in place, but have now stopped with the Sunwolves going
- (this will make other fans happy) the front ended agreements from a few years ago have stopped

 

[Tex]

From Panda / RugbyCon. Fuckin hell! The Tahs are gonna sign Rob Simmons for 2 more years!!

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...n/news-story/1f0744b967f429e3de89ed870355d7e1



SuperCoach Cheapie Bible Round 12

So he arrives in 2021 when the format of Super Rugby is still up in the air? I'll choose to read it as a vote of confidence.

Not a bad signature. Interesting to see how he goes in the air as our lineout has been purring like a rolls royce this year with 4-5 options.

 

[Rebels3]

I’d say there would be plenty of provisions in the contract, in the circumstance Super Rugby isn’t around or looks drastically different that the professional game can’t be funded like it is now.

 

[Derpus]

Looking at the table as things stand, if the Rebels maintain their current position, they will have to play the Hurricanes and (if they win) the Crusaders - both away, for the finals.

 

[Mick The Munch]

I’d say there would be plenty of provisions in the contract, in the circumstance Super Rugby isn’t around or looks drastically different that the professional game can’t be funded like it is now.

This sounds like a very thin excuse to get round Giteaus law,

 

[Strewthcobber]

What do you reckon the chances are that Skelton ever actually plays for the Rebels?

With the way Aussie rugby players treat their contracts, it'd be 50/50 at best

 

[Rebelsfan]

Anyone know how accurate this is?

https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/s...e-unable-to-afford-to-host-a-home-finals-game

Concerning if true but surely RA wouldn't let it happen for the sake of $75K?

each of the starting xv can put in $5000 = $75000 = simples

 

[Mick The Munch]

What do you reckon the chances are that Skelton ever actually plays for the Rebels?

With the way Aussie rugby players treat their contracts, it'd be 50/50 at best

Agreed, he’s been outstanding this season for Sarries, in a couple of years he could easily be one of the top paid player in the world, I doubt RA could afford him

 

[Tex]

What do you reckon the chances are that Skelton ever actually plays for the Rebels?

With the way Aussie rugby players treat their contracts, it'd be 50/50 at best

Yeah you'd want to look at the fine print of the "contract". Maybe it's a heads of agreement with Foley-esque wriggle room

 

[Rugbynutter39]

From Panda / RugbyCon. Fuckin hell! The Tahs are gonna sign Rob Simmons for 2 more years!!

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...n/news-story/1f0744b967f429e3de89ed870355d7e1
Oztimmy signing Simmons for 2 years great news for oz rugby as his form this season has been excellent. Criticism of Simmons in seasons part warranted but not this season and no brainer selection for RWC squad position

SuperCoach Cheapie Bible Round 12

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

It’s an article with a lot missing from Stephenson.

In the Australian article he said

Paraphrased
- the Rebels have not asked for any assistance
- He’s confident of the Rebels up until 2021, end of Super Rugby agreement
- Admitted the major sponsor deal didn’t help with it falling apart
- said Rebels had several commercial deals with Japanese relationships in place, but have now stopped with the Sunwolves going
- (this will make other fans happy) the front ended agreements from a few years ago have stopped

That's good to know.

Crusaders attributed their 2018 small profit or loss (I forget which it was) to the cost of paying appearance fees to their QF, SF & GF opponents with all but the GF running at a loss. Something for SANZAAR to look at in their post-2021 revamp, I think.

 

[Adam84]

It’s an article with a lot missing from Stephenson.

In the Australian article he said

Paraphrased
- the Rebels have not asked for any assistance
- He’s confident of the Rebels up until 2021, end of Super Rugby agreement
- Admitted the major sponsor deal didn’t help with it falling apart
- said Rebels had several commercial deals with Japanese relationships in place, but have now stopped with the Sunwolves going
- (this will make other fans happy) the front ended agreements from a few years ago have stopped

Rebels received a cash payment of a few $million only a few years ago from the Vic Govt when they were chosen over the Force, has all that been spent?

 

[Rebelsfan]

Rebels received a cash payment of a few $million only a few years ago from the Vic Govt when they were chosen over the Force, has all that been spent?

I guess so

 

[Rebelsfan]

An open letter from the chairman of Melbourne Rebels:
"The Melbourne Rebels are aware of various media reports released this morning questioning the Club’s financial stability.

We have worked very hard to establish a clear identity of what our Club stands for and constantly strive to make Melbourne proud. We know that like all of our competitors in the Australian sporting marketplace, we operate in a very cluttered market which is a constant challenge to our business. We have a very experienced Board of Directors who are all working hard to ensure we are solvent and successful long-term.

At the same time, we are concerned by some of the misinformation within today’s media reports. We categorically reject that the Rebels receive any financial payment from our local Rugby clubs for any contracted players participating in local club matches or appearances. It is very disappointing that we even have to address such unsubstantiated rumours which are entirely in conflict with the entire ethos of our Club and code.

We remain in constant dialogue with Rugby Australia regarding our business and high performance plans and remain very confident of a bright future for the Melbourne Rebels."

 

[Tex]

How shit was the strategy on friday. Fuck me. You name the best attacking backline in the country, full of blokes supposedly pushing for Wallaby jerseys, then instruct them to kick the ball away all night. DHP gets a C- for at least competing for his bombs.

 

[swingpass]

my gripes are that there seems to be no plan B after "play at pace, on the ad line", great against the lesser lights but not against teams that can actually tackle and put pressure on at the breakdown.

but my biggest beef is that when games have been there for the taking, when the senior players and the experienced hands, the hard heads have been asked to step up - the senior players have been the ones that folded; no composure, no leading from the front, poor option taking and often worse execution (looking at you Willi G). for example against the Canes the option was to continue the 5m lineout drive without success, same against the Bulls, at one stage 5 or 6 in row, not once releasing the famed backline, not as insane as Coleman not taking the draw against the Jags last year, but at times the rugby smarts haven't been noticeable. there doesnt appear to be anyone in the pack who is an obvious leader, a la Higginbotham, McMahon, Delve someone to take the game by the scruff of the neck for 5 -10 minutes. i think everyone is intimidated by Genia, who get the shits when things dont go to plan; DHP is good but no Ben Smith to inspire at fullback. they have the talent but this year again they are less than the sum of their parts, not more. is it Wessels or the on field leadership ? who knows, but it is a real pity.