Melbourne Rebels launch wide-ranging review after off-season from hell, finals flop

A NINE-PERSON panel has been formed to review of every aspect of the Melbourne Rebels after two disturbing off-field incidents rocked the club to its core.

Rebels captain Adam Coleman (L) addresses his troop. Lopeti Timani (R) was allegedly assaulted by teammate Amanaki Mafi.

ANGRY Melbourne Rebels have identified the need for stronger player leadership in the wake of two disturbing off-field incidents which closed out an eighth season without finals and revealed “significant gaps” in the club’s program.

A 10-person panel has been formed to undertake a full review of every aspect of the Super Rugby club’s on and off-field performance and will deliver more recommendations with a “line drawn in the sand” for all club representatives.

“You couldn’t have imagined being in this position, the depth of introspection that there currently is,” Rebels chairman Paul Docherty, who will also chair the review panel, told the Herald Sun.

Rebels captain Adam Coleman (L) addresses his troop. Lopeti Timani (R) was allegedly assaulted by teammate Amanaki Mafi.

“Would we have done that without what’s happened? We would never have gone this deep.

“We need to be really defined by the key things that come out of this. And it will not be lip service.”

The Rebels were left reeling last month after New Zealand police arrested and charged star flanker Amanaki Mafi amid allegations of a serious assault on his teammate Lopeti Timani.

The pair were fined $15,000 each and it was also revealed Mafi, no longer contracted to the Rebels, knocked teammate Marika Koroibete off a bar stool in South Africa earlier in the season. It was also kept secret from the chairman and chief executive.

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A week after the incident in New Zealand two more Rebels, Pone Fa’amausili and Hunter Paisami, were suspended indefinitely for involvement in a fight which left a man in hospital.

Paisami has since been charged by police and will face court in September.

Rebels chief executive Baden Stephenson called a meeting of the entire club; coaches, players, staff and board members, the Monday after the most recent incident and laid down the law.

Amanaki Mafi was charged with assaulting Timani.

He said it was “raw” and “emotional” but left no-one in any doubt that change was needed and coming via the review which will be completed by October and cover governance, development and leadership.

“It will define our future direction. What we do in the next two years will be on the back of it,” Stephenson said.

“The last couple of weeks have shown we still have a lot of work to do, and we have some gaps in our program. We have to be smart enough and honest enough to address them, and quickly.

Melbourne Rebels players Hunter Paisami and Pone Faamausili have been stood down after allegedly assaulting this man, his sister has claimed on Facebook. Picture: Facebook/Lucy Annabell Yakapo

“It has to be done. We have some big aspirations, and they won’t happen if we don’t get everything right.”

The panel will include Rebels coach Dave Wessels, head of rugby Nick Ryan, player Jordan Uelese and representatives from Rugby Australia and the players association.

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Originally published as Melbourne Rebels launch wide-ranging review after off-season from hell, finals flop