‘Look at the way the AFL has invested’: Rebels fans call on Rugby Australia to do more

Disappointed Melbourne Rebels fans have called on Rugby Australia to do more to save their club as their Super Rugby Pacific season kicked off with a loss on Friday night.

The club’s loyal fans turned out for what could be the club’s last season-opener with only an estimated 5000 or so at AAMI Park, but some long-time Rebels want those in charge to step up and keep their team in the competition despite its multimillion-dollar debts.

Rebels captain Rob Leota cuts a dejected figure at full-time.

It was a dark night on the field for the Rebels who were soundly beaten by the ACT Brumbies 30-3 in a performance plagued with errors and missed opportunities.

Speaking before the game, inaugural member Scottie Mac said he feared the Rebels would cease to exist.

“The club has been looking bad for a long time but the ARU [Rugby Australia] needs to spend more money, they need to advertise it better as there is no advertising so if you don’t play rugby, you don’t know that this is on,” Mac said.

“It’s the hardest city in the country to get into sport with, the sporting capital of the world, and you have the AFL just across the road.”

Rebels lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto leaps in a lineout.

This masthead reported on Thursday that the Rebels board had won a 60-day extension in court, so they could offer creditors a plan to keep the club going. Rugby Australia opposed the bid and want the liquidators called in.

“This will be the last season unless the ARU [Rugby Australia] step in,” Mac said.

“It will be really sad if it is gone and will be an indictment on the Victorian government and everyone else if they let this go; they should be backing it up.”

On an overcast, cool evening with a wind blowing around AAMI Park, members still arrived early to collect their tickets and have a drink with friends while some fans lined up to buy merchandise.

David Waddell, another inaugural member who joined the Rebel Army supporters group, said it would be sad to lose the club.

“It’s been really hard, really disappointing to see we might not have top class rugby here in Victoria,” Waddell said.

“It’s something I’ve always enjoyed, the camaraderie you have in the Rebel Army and the guys you meet at different times.

“I hope we can still get some top class rugby here in Melbourne.”

Waddell said he was disappointed the game’s governing body hadn’t done more to support the Rebels in the way the AFL has consistently put money and support into the Gold Coast Suns and Greater Western Sydney Giants.

A fan hugs the Melbourne Rebels mascot on Friday night.

“The difficulty in managing a team outside the heartland [of rugby] is getting the sponsorships and things like that,” Waddell said.

“I wouldn’t point fingers at the [Rebels] board or anyone. I don’t think there has been support from Rugby Australia and that has been a let down in many ways.

“If you look at the way the AFL has set up teams outside its heartland and the way it has invested in those teams and given them lots of opportunities, we haven’t seen that with the Rebels and that’s what I’m disappointed in.”

Waddell added that people criticised the size of some Rebels crowds, but there was a closeness between those who supported the club.

“The numbers of people never really matter, it’s the quality and the people you meet along the way, that is what brings you back and what you really enjoy,” Waddell said.

The Rebels acknowledged the death of founding chairman Harold Mitchell before the game, the celebrated businessman and Melbourne identity was chairman from 2010-2014 and continued to support the club after that time.

Rebels captain Rob Leota, one of the side’s home-grown players, looked to have scored the team’s opening try of 2024 when he powered over in the 68th minute.

But a video review found one of his teammates had obstructed the defence, so the try was ruled out.

Rob Leota of the Rebels scores a try that was later disallowe during the round one Super Rugby Pacific match against the Brumbies.

The Rebels fans, who were roaring moments earlier, showered the referee in boos; after months of turmoil it was just too much for those who love the club most.

A possible wrist injury to star recruit Taniela Tupou further hurt for the Rebels with coach Kevin Foote concerned about his Wallabies prop.

“It didn’t look great how he fell on his wrist but I haven’t spoken to the medical team yet,” Foote said post game.

Rebels prop Taniela Tupou.

Leota said planned to bounce back from the loss when they face Western Force at AAMI Park this Friday night in the opening evening of Super Round where all clubs come to Melbourne.

“It comes down to trust and supporting each other; Footey [Foote] always tells us we have to control what we can control and that’s putting out good performances,” Leota said.

“Tonight we weren’t good enough, we are going to review this game hard and do it for Melbourne – our fans have been loyal enough to come out – and put in a good performance for them.”

Toole ready for Wallabies says Larkham

ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has called on Wallabies selectors to look hard at speedy winger Corey Toole after his two-try performance on Friday night.

The former Australian Sevens star showed elite speed and skill to score the opening try running down the left wing and then chip kicking the ball inside before winning the foot race to the ball to score.

His second try was another explosive run that left several Rebels watching his heels and after spending last season learning the ropes at the top level.

Larkham, a former Wallabies playmaker, says Toole is ready for international play.

“I guess you can’t beat speed right? Simple as that,” Larkham said.

“He’s just quicker than everyone else. We played him every game last year and before playing Sevens he played 15s in Canberra with Gungahlin, so he knows his way around the park.

“The thing with Toole is that you give him a little bit of space and he is gone.

“I think Tooley is world-class in that position, he’s lightning quick and so dangerous when he gets the ball, so there should be opportunities for him in the future at the next level.”

Watch all the action from the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, kicking off on February 23, with every match ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport.

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