This week we will have a closer look at Melbourne Rising as we continue our series previewing teams for this year’s inaugural National Rugby Championship.
Melbourne Rising will play their home games at AAMI park – the same home venue as the Melbourne Rebels. Sean Hedger will coach the side and he will be joined by assistant coach Craig McGrath.
Melbourne Rising was officially launched last Friday which also featured the unveiling of their jersey. The Melbourne Rising will wear a Pink and Blue jersey which also features the Pink Heath – the floral emblem of Victoria, a half star to represent rising talent and the five stars which are synonymous with the Melbourne Rebels.
Player Profiles
Lloyd Johansson
Position: Centre
DOB: May 02, 1985
Height: 181cm
Weight: 115kg
Club: Harlequin
Still just 29 years of age, Lloyd brings excellent credentials after being selected from the Dewar Shield.
In a decorated playing career, the Victorian has played for the Queensland Reds and Melbourne Rebels, represented the Wallabies and also played professionally in Italy and Japan.
Lloyd led Harlequin to the 2013 Dewar Shield and has again starred this season.
Quick Questions
Which team are most looking forward to playing in the competition?
I’m looking forward to playing the QLD teams cause I might be up against some old mates…
Do you think there will be a significant difference between the standard of the competition and the standard of Super Rugby?
The standard might be a little off from super rugby, but it will be at higher standard then club rugby.
What has been your favourite rugby memory in your career so far?
Playing for my country
Pat Leafa
Position: Hooker
DOB: Mar 16, 1989
Height: 181cm
Weight: 110kg
Club: Box Hill/Melbourne Rebels
Auckland-born rake Leafa played in every Super Rugby game for the Rebels in 2014, after making his Super Rugby debut in 2013.
Moving to Melbourne from Canberra, where he starred for the Tuggeranong Vikings, Pat’s love of contact is legendary, and he is a vocal and supportive teammate. The NRC represents a great chance for him to gain further senior experience.
Quick Questions
Which team are most looking forward to playing in the competition?
The team I am looking forward to playing against is the Vikings team in Canberra, very strong side and looking forward to going head to head with some of the boys I used to play with.
Which team are you least looking forward to playing?
The team I’m least looking forward to is NSW country mainly because of the travelling fly to sydney then bus to orange not looking forward to it at all.
Do you think there will be a significant difference between the standard of the competition and the standard of Super Rugby?
I don’t think there will be a significant difference just cause your bringing the locals in doesn’t mean they’re not going to be up for it skill wise at this level but they do have the drive and hunger to do what it takes to match themselves against the super rugby guys and they will definitely take this opportunity for sure. In terms of professionalism it doesn’t change we still carry and present ourselves as we would at super level so no I don’t think there will be a significant change.
What has been your favourite rugby memory in your career so far?
Favourite rugby memory so far, was being able to go to Tonga and give back to the community over there by handing out gear to various clubs including boots and shoes, cones and rugby balls for the players. School visits and coaching various teams it was very rewarding to be able to that.
Head Coach
Sean Hedger has been announced as the head coach of Melbourne Rising for this season.
Coaching Career:
2003-2005: Rugby Programme Head Coach at the Reds Rugby College
2005-2010: Multiple coaching roles with Top League team, Kobelco Steelers, over five seasons.
2010: Sean was named Assistant Coach of Kyuden Voltex, before accepting the role of Head Coach in 2011.
2012-2013: He was appointed as National Academy Head Coach (NSW) at the ARU.
2014: Assistant coach (attack) of the Melbourne Rebels.
Fixtures
2014 Melbourne Rising Squad
- Scott Higginbotham (Back rower, Harlequin/Melbourne Rebels)* Allocated Wallaby
- Luke Jones (Lock, Moorabbin/Melbourne Rebels)* Allocated Wallaby
- Cruze Ah-Nau (Prop, Footscray/Melbourne Rebels)
- Paul Alo-Emile (Prop, Power House/Melbourne Rebels)
- Frank Amituanai (Lock, Footscray)
- Greg Bauer (Hooker, Box Hill)
- Jack Debreczeni (Flyhalf, Endeavour Hills/Melbourne Rebels)
- Tom English (Wing, Melbourne Uni/Melbourne Rebels)
- Angus Hamilton (Lock, Harlequin)
- Shane Imo (Flyhalf, Footscray)
- Mitch Inman (Centre, Southern Districts/Melbourne Rebels)
- Sam Jeffries (Lock, Melbourne Uni/Melbourne Rebels)
- Lloyd Johansson (Centre, Harlequin)
- Joe Kamana (Wing, Moorabbin)
- Rennie Lautolo-Molimau (Fullback, Endeavour Hills)
- Pat Leafa (Hooker, Box Hill/Melbourne Rebels)
- Sean McMahon (Back rower, Endeavour Hills/Melbourne Rebels)
- Sefanaia Naivalu (Centre, Box Hill)
- Martin Naufahu (Flyhalf, Foostcray/Melbourne Rebels)
- Cadeyrn Neville (Lock, Footscray/Melbourne Rebels)
- OJ Noa (Back rower, Harlequin)
- Junior Paila (Scrumhalf, Endeavour Hills)
- Reuben Rolleston (Back rower, Endeavour Hills)
- Fereti Sa’aga (Prop, Melbourne Uni)
- Tom Sexton (Hooker, Power House/Melbourne Rebels)
- Pom Simona (Back rower, Harlequin)
- Finbar Simpson (Prop, Melbourne)
- Toby Smith (Prop, Melbourne Uni/Melbourne Rebels)
- Nic Stirzaker (Scrumhalf, Endeavour Hills/Melbourne Rebels)
- Sione Taufa (Back rower, Harlequin/Melbourne Rebels)
- Lopeti Timani (Back rower, Footscray/Melbourne Rebels)
- Tui Tuiatua (Prop, Moorabbin)
- Telusa Veainu (Wing, Melbourne/Melbourne Rebels)
Social Media
Stay connected with the Melbourne Rising by giving them a ‘like’ on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter and Instagram, at @melbournerisining #Rising.
For more information about Melbourne Rising you can visit their website: http://melbournerebels.com.au/rising
Season Tickets
Season tickets are now available.
2014 Members
Adult: $46
Concession: $39
Non Rebels Members
Adult: $55
Concession: $45
Buy now: http://melbournerebels.com.au/rising/season-tickets
