Waratahs ready to swoop on Rebels’ Wallabies stars after axing

The Waratahs are set to be the major beneficiaries of Rugby Australia’s decision to cut the Melbourne Rebels, with plans in motion to swoop on at least five of the franchise’s Wallabies, including Taniela Tupou and Carter Gordon, for next season.

The Australian rugby player market has gone into overdrive following the Rebels’ axing on Thursday.

Rugby Australia, Super Rugby teams and player agents have been working behind the scenes on contingency plans in the scenario that the Rebels wouldn’t exist in 2025.

Players will filter their way into Australia’s four other sides for what will be an 11-team competition. Flexibility is expected to be given to teams in terms of a salary cap next season given the extra players on the market.

Tupou, Gordon, Rob Leota, Jordan Uelese and Andrew Kellaway could all find themselves in a sky-blue jersey next year.

Tupou, who on his day is one of the world’s most damaging tight-head props, is at the top of the Waratahs’ wishlist despite coming off the bench in eight of his 12 matches this season for the Rebels.

Wallabies and Melbourne Rebels prop Taniela Tupou could be on his way to the Waratahs. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui

NSW finished last in Super Rugby Pacific this season and are eager to secure the services of Tupou so he can play in a front row that would also feature Wallabies teammates Angus Bell and Dave Porecki.

Sources with knowledge of discussions say Tupou and Gordon are open to the idea of a move to NSW.

Gordon’s name has been linked with the Waratahs for weeks but his management insist a deal has not been reached.

The 23-year-old, who was dropped as Wallabies No.10 during the Rugby World Cup, is also exploring his options in the NRL.

Carter Gordon lines up a penalty.Credit: Getty

This masthead revealed Gordon’s management had spoken to the Gold Coast Titans but according to sources with knowledge of the situation, speaking on the condition of anonymity, the Knights also held talks with the playmaker’s team during the NRL’s Magic Round.

Despite discussions, no offers have been forthcoming from NRL teams.

The Waratahs’ worst season on record - in a proper Super Rugby competition - has not made them an appealing destination for displaced players, particularly given there is no certainty over their coach and director of rugby for next year.

But the Waratahs have room in their salary cap to swoop.

If a number of Rebels players head to the Waratahs, there will be raised eyebrows from rival Super Rugby franchises given RA has a significant say in the running of NSW.

However, under the collective bargaining agreement, RA is not allowed to funnel players into certain Super Rugby teams.

Former Waratahs and Wallabies assistant Nathan Grey, who looks after the Junior Wallabies, is the frontrunner for the NSW head coaching role. Billy Millard and Simon Raiwalui have been touted as director of rugby options.

Rebels skipper Rob Leota is weighing up a move to the Waratahs, while Jordan Uelese is poised to pick between NSW or an overseas team. Brad Wilkin, a former Waratah, could make a return to NSW.

Andrew Kellaway, who debuted with the Waratahs, signed a deal months ago with NSW that has not been formally announced.

The Waratahs are satisfied with their outside backs for next season but are eager to bolster their forwards.

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Filipo Daugunu are edging closer to moves back to the Queensland Reds, while in-demand second-rower Josh Canham is also favoured for a move north.

Rugby Union Players’ Association chief executive and Stan Sport commentator Justin Harrison was asked on Thursday about the issue of players having to move onto different teams.

“There is a process now where we have to be really careful about moving forward in a constructive manner,” Harrison said. “It’s been a matter of coming together, bringing all parties together to work in a constructive manner that will start with player choice and understanding if the player wants to be in another location in Australia, if they want to go to another province in the Super Rugby competition.”

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