Former Highlander Tamati Ellison can’t wait to get cracking for his new side in Melbourne

Rebels Media Release –

Tamati Ellison’s Rugby career has taken him across New Zealand, playing in both the North and South Islands, as well as over to Japan and to Europe as a representative of the world champion All Blacks. Now, it’s taken him to Melbourne and Super Rugby’s newest franchise; but the boy from Porirua is fast feeling at home at the Club.

“We are getting there in terms of settling in,” he says of himself and his family, wife Meremaraea and children Vini (5), Tuura (2) and Bella (7 weeks, born on New Year’s Day). “It’s easy for me, because I understand the Rugby side of things, and the on-field staff have been very clear with all of that. I am really enjoying Melbourne, it’s a great place, and we’ve been out and about a fair bit on the trams; I’m enjoying our base here in Carlton too.

“I think having guys who I have played with before, such as Telusa Veainu and Scott Fuglistaller, helps (with settling). Anywhere you go, it’s always good to have guys you have worked with before and know, and trust.”

Ellison brings experience to a young backline, and although Tom English is the backs’ representative in the Leadership Group both Tamati and Luke Burgess will play key roles with their international pedigree.

“First and foremost, my role is about performance more than anything,” Ellison says. “Luke (Burgess) and I do have a wee bit more experience than some of the other guys in the backline though, so if we can lend a hand there and help prepare them for the field we’re both happy to help.

“I think our backline is starting to click; we’re not quite there yet, and I’ll be the first to admit I still have some work to do in and around the plays. You can’t spend the whole day out on the field, so you have to work hard off the field to learn everything. You also need to do your own mental preparation.”

Bryce Hegarty crosses for the Rebels matchwinner in last season’s game against the Highlanders

Ellison joined the squad direct from his Japanese Top League season with the Ricoh Black Rams, meaning he missed the majority of the 31 week pre-season but arrived match-fit. He was instantly thrown into the squad to play the Hurricanes in Geelong, and the Reds in Brisbane, and typical of a man with such a happy outlook he doesn’t feel he has come in underdone. Ellison is also impressed with the character of the squad, explaining that it is a little different to how he perceived the Rebels of the past.

“I actually take arriving here match fit from Japan as a positive, even though it means I joined the group a little bit later,” he says. “Rugby is a pretty simple game; get the ball over the line more than the other team and you’ll probably do alright.

“From an outside perspective, in the past the Rebels had a few key signing and guys who were pretty well known but it always seemed that there was a bit of a disconnect within the squad. (When I played) with the Highlanders, we certainly tried to target that a little and pick on those bits. Now, talking to a few of the boys here, there has been a big change in the group and it looks like everybody is pulling in the same direction which is critical.”

It’s interesting reflecting on his time at the Highlanders, and of course we couldn’t help but mention that victory by the Rebels against his old team in the final round of the 2013 competition. What did he make of the atmosphere, and playing surface, at his new home ground AAMI Park?

“It’s funny you mention that game, because when you are on the losing side you probably switch off a little bit with what is going on atmosphere wise,” he explains. “I remember at the start of the game when we were winning, there was a great atmosphere, but at the backend once the Rebels made a comeback you switch off to the atmosphere!

“It’s a great facility, and I absolutely enjoyed playing there and have enjoyed training there too; getting a bit of a feel for what my new home ground is like. Hopefully we can get lots of people out to the games; entertainment and good performances are what we need to do to get people in the seats.”

It all starts this week against a Cheetahs side with no shortage of Springboks, coming off a victory against the Bulls and a maiden finals appearance in 2013. Ellison is relishing a tough first match for his new side.

“We hope it will be a challenging match; it’s our first game, and we want to face their best side for sure; if we get anything less it will be disappointing. We have reasonably clear expectations on ourselves, so hopefully we get plenty of people there for a great game.

“I think those who come and look will see a group of guys who will show some desperation and a real willingness to work for each other. I think they will see some brutality as well; we’re ready to go! It will be great for people to have a first look at a new side in a new campaign.”

And most importantly, is he fit and a chance to make his Rebels debut?

“Yeah, the body feels great actually.”