Homegrown Rebel Josh Canham has hit the ground running in his second year with the Melbourne Rebels.
Canham has been one of the upbeat finds for the Rebels during the first half of the Super Rugby Pacific season, playing in three-straight games after making his Super Rugby debut in the Rebels’ Round 3 clash against the Fijian Drua in Queensland.
Canham is one of two Rebels academy graduates to make their professional debuts this year, with Daniel Maiava joining him three weeks later.
Canham’s rise through the rugby ranks extends a memorable twelve-months for Victorian rugby, following the Rebels playing a record number of Victorian-based players last season, the promotion of eight academy members to its senior list, and the recent exposure of the Rebels’ unique relationship with the Victorian public school system.
The Harlequin product said it was an “awesome experience” to represent the Club he had supported growing up and an honour to be part of the next generation of Burn Boys.
“Being a local boy and representing my hometown team in Melbourne was a memorable moment for me,” said Canham.
“The quality of rugby is rapidly improving here in Victoria and it’s something we’re all pretty proud of.
“Obviously, Jordy, Trevor Robbie and Pone have set the path for us, so it’s awesome we now get to follow it and build on it.
“It’s a huge responsibility but I’m really proud to be part of it.”
Recalling the moment he was first told he would be making his Rebels’ debut, Canham admitted he “couldn’t stop smiling.”
“We had just had a meeting and then Footey texted me come see me really quick.”
“I walked into his office and couldn’t stop smiling. Then I went back into the changeroom, and a few boys realised without having to say anything.
“I then waited until I got home so I could tell my parents in person. They were both really happy.
“It’s been awesome having such great support from my family. I wouldn’t be here without them, so it’s great they can come along and watch me play Super Rugby and live my dream.”
Canham made an immediate impact in his Rebels’ debut, sharing the line-out duties with Wallabies’ star Matt Philip, while recording his side’s third-highest number of tackles.
His impressive start led to selection in the Rebels next two matches, including the opportunity to run out onto AAMI Park in front of friends and family for the first time in his Super Rugby career.
“It was great to play my first game at home, in front of a lot of people who have supported me along my way.”
““The whole journey has been memorable this year and every opportunity I’ve had I’ve really enjoyed.
“The little details I think are more important at this level, and that’s been something I’ve been working on this year with a lot of help from some of the senior boys.
“It’s been a huge step up, but something I’ve really enjoyed.”
The twenty-year-old credited the support from mentors Trevor Hosea, Matt Philip and Ross Haylett-Petty for helping him adjust to the demands of Super Rugby.
“When I was first picked, Ross took me through my roles and Matt is always helping me with my details and always pushing me, while Trevor has been there since the start, so they’re all huge.”
“They’re committed to bringing out the best in me.”
