Haylett-Petty brothers join Rebels

Fri, Nov 3, 2017, 3:35 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
He was one of the biggest names on the market but Dane Haylett-Petty has announced he's signed with the Rebels, along with his brother Ross. Hear why the Wallabies speedster made the move and why he's looking forward to 2018.

Dane and Ross Haylett-Petty are the latest former Force players to join the Rebels, with the Melbourne franchise announcing two-year deals for the pair on Friday.

Both had been widely expected to join the Melbourne franchise, with Dane one of a number of high-profile Wallabies tipped to head across the country, and Ross openly saying the pair wanted to play at the same franchise in 2018.

Dane, who is currently recovering from a biceps injury, said he was looking forward to continuing to work under Dave Wessels.

“I’m really excited about getting stuck in and working hard to achieve something special over the next few years,” Dane Haylett-Petty said.

“The rugby program that Dave (Wessels) runs is all about hard-work and pushing each other, I think we’re building a very competitive group at the Rebels, so I know that he’s going to get the best out of me here."

Ross Ross had a career-best season in Perth and will be a handy addition for the Rebels, keen to start fresh. 

“I’m excited to start a new chapter, not just in my own career but also a new era for the Rebels,” Ross Haylett-Petty said.

“Dave is establishing an elite environment here in Melbourne so I expect to have to work hard and fight for my position but that competitiveness will get the best out of me and drive a successful culture for all of us here.”

Wessels said the duo would be invaluable additions.

“Dane and Ross are talented, committed and hard working players,” Wessels said.

“Both have made significant strides in their development as experienced players over the last couple of years at an international and national level but I believe they still have their best rugby ahead of them which is exciting for everyone at our club.”

The Haylett-Pettys join Jermaine Ainsley, Tetera Faulkner and Ben Daley as players to come across to the Rebels, with up to 10 more believed to be keen to join the Melbourne franchise.

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