Can the Melbourne Rising take the next step to premiership glory?
The Rising have selected a strong squad, with plenty of Super Rugby experience. In true NRC spirit, there is a host of local Club and Australia U20 team players in the side.
The Rising play and exciting brand of Rugby; the play a high-tempo game, using a mobile forward pack and speed to burn out wide. The Rising helped to launch Super Rugby stars; Jack Debreczei, Sean McMahon, and Sefa Naivalu to name just a few. It also helped to reinvent Lopeti as a damaging Lock, with the form that translated over into Super Rugby.
In the second year of assistant Rebels’ coach Zane Hilton tenure, the team is a mix of Super Rugby talent, new faces and solid performers from the local competition, the Dewar Shield.
Super Sefa Naivalu – returning for NRC 2016.
History
Season 2014 was a revelation, where a bonus point (four tries or more) was scored in nearly every game, and help the Rising to win the minor premiership. Sadly, their season ended in the semi-finals with a loss at home to the Perth Spirit.
Last year the Rising had a less than stellar season; the just scraped into the finals series with a draw in the last match of the season. Even though they made the semi-finals, but they were soundly beaten.
The rising was lucky enough to hold the inaugural Horan-Little shield in round one, and the first to defend it (versus Queensland Country). Sadly, they were also the first to lose it, but they will be keen to earn it back from Brisbane City.
The Rising also hold the record for the most point scored in a match, and the biggest winning margin; a 79 – 18 drubbing of Brisbane City in 2014.
Squad
Props: Cruze Ah-Nau, Tyrel Lomax, Tim Metcher, Tom Moloney, Fereti Sa’aga, Toby Smith*
Hookers: James Hanson*, Patrick Leafa, Siliva Siliva, Jordan Uelese
Locks: Steve Cummins, Murray Douglas, Sam Jeffries, Alex Toolis
Backrowers: Colby Fainga’a, Harley Fox, Ikapote Tupai, Rob Leota, Sean McMahon*, Jordy Reid, Sione Taufa
Scrumhalves: Ben Meehan. Michael Snowden, Nic Stirzaker
Flyhalves: Jack Debreczeni
Centres: Lloyd Johansson, Taiso Silafai-Leaana, Sefanaia Naivalu, Sione Tuipulotu, Elias Vole
Wings: Tom English, Dom Shipperley, Ah-Mu Tuimaleali’ifano
Fullbacks: Reece Hodge*, Jack Maddocks, Jonah Placid
*Wallaby ambassador (i.e. do not expect him to play the NRC)
While some Rebels fans will grumble that their stars are not in the Wallabies squad, it is also a blessing for the Rising. This Rising can build their NRC campaign on a solid backbone, formed by players used to play together at a high level.
With a host of Rebel players returning, there is plenty of depth in every position. Look for the halves pair of Nic Stirzaker and Jack Debreczei to spark a backline full of talent. With talents such as Dom Shipperley, Tom English, and Reece Hodge, anything can happen. Fans will be excited with the return of Super Sefa Naivalu, who missed 2015 with a broken leg.
However, not all players are returning to the Rising 2016 squad. Lopeti Timani is the most notable absence. However, it’s likely he will spend more time with the Wallabies Squad. Some of the local players have also not returned; the speedster Stacey Ili and Fullback Justin Masters are both notable absences in the 2016 squad.
Jack Debreczei – looking for a big NRC 2016.
Several players will make the step from the Dewar Shield to the NRC. Fereti Sa’aga, Sione Taufa, and Lloyd Johansson return for their third NRC season. New players in the squad are Ah-Mu Tuimaleali’ifano and Elias Vole, who both had a great season. Jordan Uelese had a great year with Uni, and Ikapote Tupai won a premiership with Melbourne.
The Rising will also have the chance to trial several young players contracted by the Rebels through the year for the next Super Rugby season. Tyrel Lomax, Harley Fox, and Jack Maddocks are among them.
Potential XV:
We expect a Super Rugby team to start the campaign, with other players progressively coming into the side.
15 Jonah Placid, 14 Dom Shipperley, 13 Sefa Naivalu, 12 Elias Vole, 11 Tom English, 10 Jack Debreczeni, 9 Nic Stirzaker, 8 Colby Fainga’a, 7 Rob Leota, 6 Jordy Reid, 5 Steve Cummins, 4 Sam Jeffries, 3 Tim Metcher, 2 Pat Leafa, 1 Cruze Ah-Nau.
Coaching Staff:
Rebels assistant coach Zane Hilton will be the head coach of the Rising for the second year in a row. The assistant coaches have not been announced, but we expect to see Craig McGrath reprise his role as Assistant Coach.
Zane Hilton returns for another NRC season as head coach.
The Draw:
The draw has been kind for the Rising, with four home games and only three away games. They will start their campaign in Perth against the Spirit, before hosting their first home game against Queensland Country at Ashwood Reserve.
Round Four will be a packed house at Ashwood Reserve when the Rising host the two-time champions Brisbane City. This match is probably the best chance for the Rising to earn back the Horan-Little Shield. Rounds Seven (GWS Rams) and Eight (Sydney Rays) are the remaining two home matches.
Round 1, Sat 27 August – Perth Spirit v Melbourne Rising, UWA Sports Park, 11 am
Round 2, Sun 4 September – Melbourne Rising v Queensland Round, Harlequins Oval, 1 pm
Round 3, Sun 11 Sep – NSW Country Eagles v Melbourne Rising, Tamworth, 3 pm
Round 4, Sat 17 Sep – Melbourne Rising v Brisbane City, Harlequin Oval, 3 pm
Round 5, Sun 25 Sep – Canberra Vikings v Melbourne Rising, Viking Park, 1 pm
Round 6, Sun 2 Oct – Melbourne Rising v Western Sydney Rams, Harlequins Oval, 3 pm
Round 7, Sun 9 Oct – Melbourne Rising v Sydney Rays, Frankston Oval, 1 pm
2016 Expectations
This year the Rising should be playing their first NRC grand final. They have a very strong team, continuity in the coaching staff, and a favourable draw.
A good start to the season is paramount. Early season win will help set up the Rising for the round four blockbusters against Brisbane City. A win in this match will provide the right momentum to face the Vikings in Canberra.
With the talent, coaching staff and a kind draw, the Rising have everything before them to go all the way this season. The elusive premiership beckons and this time, it’s very achievable. The Rising will be contenders n 2016.
