Melbourne are trying to juggle their emotions as they prepare for their first - and possibly last - Super Rugby Pacific final against the top-ranked Hurricanes. The Rebels are looking to saviour the build-up for their first finals campaign in 14 years in the competition. But it's bittersweet with the financially ravaged club's axed from the competition, meaning the end could come as soon as Saturday in Wellington.
The club pushed back their departure for New Zealand to host an open training session in Melbourne, with the Rebels faithful turning out to send them off. Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion. Paul and Leanne are rusted-on fans after they met at half-time at one of the Rebels' first-ever trial games back in 2011 and went on to marry and have son William, who posed for photographs and got autographs with his favourite players on Thursday.
"It was a really good community feel out there and the boys got a little spark in their step after seeing the crowd come out and support us," said prop Sam Talakai. "It was a really nice touch this session." His teammate Andrew Kellaway said it was an emotional time for the players, particularly those born and bred in Melbourne like skipper Rob Leota, hooker Jordan Uelese and prop Pone Fa'amausili.
"I think you have to address those sorts of things," Kellaway said. "It's important to make sure that everyone knows that it's OK to feel how those things make you feel. "If it's our last ga.
