Our Melbourne Rebels Super W team returned to action on Saturday for their opening trial match played at the Endeavour Hills Rugby Club.
The match capped a momentous fortnight for Alana Thomas’ side, following the Rebels ground-breaking decision to pay every one of its players for the 2022 Super W season.
Reflecting on the team’s first hit out, Head Coach Alana Thomas said her coaching staff was encouraged by the players overall enthusiasm and game play execution.
“Probably the key thing our coaches took out from Saturday was the effort and willingness from our girls to implement the game plan we’re looking to play this year,” said Thomas.
“We saw good execution and smart game play across the board, which was pleasing to see.
“It’s also the first time in five years that we’ve got a range of depth across all positions, which is something I think our program has lacked the last few years, and something that’s really exciting heading into our fifth year of Super W competition.”
Spanning over four twenty-minute quarters, players were put through their paces in front of the Endeavour Hills faithful, with a number of players staking their claim for the selection in the team’s 2022 playing squad, including Wallaroos’ Player of National Interest (PONI) squad member, Jade Te Aute.
“I think Jade has really taken her game to another level, which I think is down to just getting more training in, getting those reps, and being part of the PONI program over the offseason and just doing a lot of skill work.”
“Coming into a full pre-season, it’s really helped her overall game understanding.
“Her skills are her skill, but the understanding on how to play ten and the game management it demands is something that she is still learning.
“We’re starting to see her identifying when to pass, when to run and when to pull that trigger, which is great to see.”
Among the many players in action was Wallaroos’ star, Ashely Marsters, who returned to Melbourne following a successful season of club rugby in NSW.
Marsters’ knowledge and experience will be a valuable asset for a young Super W squad, as the Rebels look to build on a promising 2021 campaign.
“Ash is obviously very experienced, and a lot of players look to her to give direction in games.
“Leadership is a part of her game that something that she’s always had.
“You just have to look and see players coming up, stopping and listening to her, so it was great to have her back in Melbourne and leading the way on Saturday.”
On Nov 26, the Melbourne Rebels announced they will be the first Australian rugby Club to pay all its Super W players for the upcoming 2022 Super W season.
To be part of this monumental, yet overdue movement, we’re inviting all supporters to contribute to our Super W Player Support Program.
Click here to help our girls out.
