A new competition has brought about some fresh new faces, with the Melbourne Rebels debuting four players during the weekend’s opening Super Rugby AU game in Canberra.
Michael Stolberg, Josh Kemeny, Trevor Hosea and Efitusi Ma'afu were each officially welcomed to the Rebels family, becoming Rebel number 155, 156, 157 and 158 respectively on Saturday.
Harlequin Rugby Club product Trevor Hosea said it was a dream come true playing alongside local players he once looked up to as a junior, such as ‘Burn City’ trio Rob Leota, Pone Fa’amausili and Jordan Uelese.
“It was really special,” said Hosea.
“I’m just so grateful for this opportunity from the coaches and being a Melbourne born boy and just seeing all the old boys like Robert, Pone, Jordy and Fereti and all that come through the ranks.
“Looking up to them since I was young, I’m just really grateful for the opportunity to get on the field and get my debut.
“We didn’t the win but I’m forever grateful for the opportunity.”
Despite the unusual circumstances surrounding Hosea’s debut – starting the game on the bench in the middle of a cold Canberra night in July, in a contest with restricted crowd attendance - the exciting lock remained calm, composed and laser sharp in focus, notwithstanding the normal first-game nerves.
“I did have butterflies in my tummy, but I was just really keen to get on the field and do my thing and get out there and do my job.
“Yeah these were different circumstances - like not having my family here to support me from the sidelines - but they were all at home watching me on the tv.
“I’m forever grateful for what they’ve done for me growing up, so I was just thinking about them and doing my bit, which helped me get through the game.”
Josh Kemeny said that while the club didn’t get the result it was after, it was a “special feeling” being part of the night and the club’s inaugural game of Super Rugby AU rugby.
“Probably not the result we were looking for but yeah, it was obviously a very special moment and I’m very grateful to be a part of tonight’s game and this team and happy to get that first cap under my belt,” said the promising flanker.
For Kemeny, Saturday’s selection capped a remarkable rise through Australian rugby ranks.
After starring for the Junior Wallabies alongside fellow Rebels debutant Trevor Hosea in 2018, Kemeny plied his trade for two seasons in the NRC, helping guide Sydney University to a Shute Shield title, before singing with the Melbourne Rebels at the beginning of Season 2020.
The 21-year-old said that although the adjustment in gameplay was challenging, he was thrilled for the opportunity to play at the highest level of club rugby, and at a club with such a star-studded back row, never expected to get his first Rebels cap so quickly into his blossoming career.
“Not this soon,” acknowledged Kemeny.
“I was pretty stoked to get the call up and maybe six months ago, it wasn’t really in the front of my mind, but it has always been a goal of mine, so I’m happy it did come.
“It was a big step up - the quality of the game is much more elite, much faster and a much harder game, so I think it’s just going to take time for me to go out there and dominate.
“So, I’ll need a bit more experience under my belt I think.”
While his family couldn’t attend the game due to Covid-19 restrictions, Kemeny had no doubts they were watching on tv after sending messages of support throughout the week in the lead up to his Super Ruby debut.
“My whole extended family was at my Auntie’s house.
“There were probably 10 or 15 of them all watching the game and obviously they have sent me heaps of messages of support.
“So hopefully they had a really nice night despite the loss.”
