Stirling Mortlock confirmed as captain for Melbourne Rebels
Stirling Mortlock the former Australian skipper has been confirmed to be Melbourne Rebels’ foundational captain. Mortlock, the 28-year-old skipper, who has led Australia in 29 tests throughout his career including the Rugby World Cup 2007, is the hot favourite
and the preferred one for this job. He got a nod from Rebels’ officials ahead of Gareth Delve, the Welsh international.
He happens to be at the top of the list in all time point scorer in Super Rugby. Mortlock explained his pleasure at the opportunity to control and create history as the first ever skipper of Melbourne’s first and latest sporting club.
Mortlock gave out statements with all smiles and satisfaction. He said, “It's a unique challenge, but one I'm looking forward to. For us as a group we want to be competitive and do Melbourne proud both on and off the field.”
Mortlock has suffered through severe back injury and battled his way up here since the past few seasons. He made his first appearance in Melbourne Rebels uniform against Fiji in Ballarat this Saturday during a 42-27 club victory.
Rod Macqueen the coach for Rebels has been delighted with the 28 year old skipper’s progress since his surgery. Coach stood at his back and took the decision give him the command of club for their first Super 15 tournament.
Macqueen believes in his decision and is pleased. He said, “He's got a new lease of life. He's been playing injured for a couple of years, so for him to have the operation and then come back from that by getting his strength and fitness back, hopefully we've
got the new mode.”
Every coach looks for players with regularity and consistency in their game, so they can choose them for skipper. For Melbourne Rebels this decision was crucial, considering the fact it’s their debut in Super 15. Coach, Macqueen assured that all the main
members of the club have given this matter a considerable amount of thought and picked up the right guy for the right job.
Clearing the conflict raised by media regarding Gareth and Stirling’s selection the coach said, “Both of the players are held in very high esteem and are good people in their own right. Gareth has the respect of the team and Stirling's commitment to Melbourne
and the Rebels has been fantastic.”
Gareth Delve negated all the media hype and welcomed Mortlock as a captain. He is pleased to be a part of Rebels and play alongside his captain. He said, “It's an implausible honor to come into a squad with so many leaders who have consummated so much in
this competition and have this responsibility gives me a lot of confidence.”
Gareth Delve has been given the post of vice captain for Rebels. The club will be completing their trial series against Crusaders on Saturday at AAMI Park, who are the seven time winner of Super Rugby campaign.
The trial is their final opportunity and hit out before they step in to the Super Rugby maze against NSW Waratahs on 18th February.
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