With a fresh influx of Melbourne born and bred players rising through the ranks, lock Trevor Hosea is looking to guide them into the future.
As part of the extended squad heading into 2022, the Rebels announced eight of their Under-18’s Academy members would link up throughout the season.
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It reflects the growing levels of local talent coming through the pathways exploding onto the international scene.
This was best represented during the Wallabies narrow loss to Wales, with Dave Rennie naming an all-Melbourne born back row as Pete Samu joined Rob Leota and Rob Valetini.
They were joined in the starting side by former Rising centre Hunter Paisami and returning Rebel and Breakout Player of the Year nominee Andrew Kellaway.
Seeing that representation is crucial for Hosea, who is hoping to be a role model for the next generation of 'burn boys' and Wallabies.
“We’ve got a lot of new faces coming through so it’s good, a lot of young boys representing Melbourne coming through,” he told Rugby.com.au. “It’s mad to see the growth in Melbourne. I definitely see myself as a leader to those boys.
“I’ve taken on the role on of being a role model for these fellas and helping wherever I can.
“There are (a) skilful bunch of boys. They love testing their skills under pressure, bringing that flair to the group and really pushing for a spot.
“It’s good for the game (having an all-Melbourne Wallaby back-row), it gives all the young guys something to look up to seeing those guys come through the ranks.
“It’s definitely inspiring for those guys coming through in Melbourne.”
This comes as Super Rugby Pacific confirmed the inaugural 'Super Round' will be held at AAMI Park on February 25-27.
In a state which is dominated by other codes, the 21-year-old was hopeful themed rounds like this can continue to spearhead support for the Rebels and the sport in the region.
“It’s massive for Victorian Rugby. Our Melbourne fans have been starved of Rugby for the last campaign so to give back to them with the Super Round is a big opportunity to get Melbourians to get around the game,” he believes.
“Bringing the support and growing Rugby in Melbourne, it’s obviously more of an AFL state (at the moment) so we’re looking to get more support behind us and give them a good brand of Rugby.”
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Hosea was selected in the initial training Wallabies squad in April, staying with the side as an extra training member for the France series.
Pushing for his first cap, the 21-year-old focus is on returning to the basics as he pushes for selection in what's become a very competitive position for the Wallabies.
“I guess the core role of being a second-rower,” Hosea added on what he needs to work on.
“Improving my work rate around the field, being strong about my carries and being solid around line out, those fundamentals that come with being a lock.”
