Curtis Rona says size of Rebels squad steered him to Waratahs

CODE-HOPPER Curtis Rona has revealed why he turned down a spot under ex-Force coach Dave Wessels at Melbourne Rebels and signed with the Waratahs instead.

Rona won three Wallaby caps in 2017. Picture: Stuart Walmsley

CURTIS Rona says a potential logjam of talent at the Rebels was one of the reasons he turned down a spot under ex-Force coach Dave Wessels in Melbourne, and signed with the Waratahs instead.

The Wallaby and former NRL star will line up against many of his former Force teammates on Thursday night when the Tahs take on the Rebels in a final trial before their respective Super Rugby openers a week later.

Adding another level to the bizarre level of familiarity for Rona, the trial will be played at Brookvale Oval, where the 25-year-old played often against Manly in his former NRL days with the Bulldogs and Cowboys.

Rona picks up and slams Highlanders beast Tevita Nabura in a trial match ahead of the Super season.

Following the Force’s closure as a Super Rugby team last year, 12 players joined Wessels and signed with Melbourne, including new captain Adam Coleman, Billy Meakes, Dane Haylett-Petty and Matt Phllip.

On top of existing Rebels players — and with several new recruits like Will Genia also added — the Rebels have the biggest squad in Australia.

With a short season and limited space in the match-day squad, some high profile players will not see regular action.

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“There were talks early on about going down there but I just thought with the situation that they’re in and the roster that they’ve got, I thought to myself maybe it is better for me to go elsewhere,” Rona said.

“They’ve got a big squad down there. I am looking forward to playing them though, it’ll be a massive encounter at Brookie. I know how good those boys are and they’ll all be pushing for spots. So will we, and it’s obviously a big opportunity for us to see where we are at with the start of the season coming around the corner.”

Rona won three Wallaby caps in 2017. Picture: Stuart Walmsley

Increased depth and competition for spots at the remaining four franchises was one of the goals of shutting down the Force.

But where he may have had stiff competition in Melbourne as a centre/wing against the likes of Sefa Naivalu, Tom English, Reece Hodge, Meakes, Marika Koroibete, Henry Hutchison, Jack Maddocks and even Haylett-Petty, Rona has still got a fair battle on his hands at the Tahs.

Lalaki Foketi and Irae Simone are rivals for his preferred No.13 jersey, and wings are plentiful too, with Alex Newsome, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Andrew Kellaway, Cam Clark all good options.

“But that’s great. There’s great competition for spots, which is exactly how you want it,” Rona said.

Having enjoyed his first season of rugby last year — and the taste of three Test caps for the Wallabies as well — Rona opted to also reject a return to league, or a move overseas.

Rona will link with fellow code-hopper Israel Folau.

“After one season I couldn’t leave, so I committed myself to rugby and my goal is to make that 2019 World Cup squad,” he said.

“The family is happy and settled. We’re back in the swing of the Sydney lifestyle.”

Rona has not only moved back, he’s dedicated himself to help grow rugby in Sydney’s west by signing on with the Parramatta Two Blues. Rona said he loved the club’s vision to grow the game.

“It all made sense for me, especially because I bought a house out west in Campbelltown and I know that a lot of people in western Sydney love rugby,” he said.

“I’ve told them even if I am not always free to play I am more than happy to do coaching, some clinics or anything to help out the juniors. That’s where it starts, you find your love for the game in the junior ranks, and that’s where I feel like I can definitely help out the most.”

* Waratahs v Rebels, Brookvale Oval, Thursday, 6.45pm.

Originally published as Curtis Rona says size of Rebels squad steered him to Waratahs