A frank conversation helped Billy Meakes turn his 2018 season around and the centre is hoping to continue that momentum in Saturday’s World Series Rugby clash with the Force.
Meakes, who is likely to be part of a strong side heading to Perth on Thursday,, had a frustrating start to 2018 but has turned things around in recent
“I was not really happy with how I was going at the start of the year, trying to figure out why and what the reason was and I figured out maybe I wasn't doing the exact same stuff I was doing last year,” he said.
“It took me a while to adjust to moving states and stuff like that and then everything off the field in terms of preparation throughout the week, looking after my body, I just reckon I maybe wasn't doing exactly as I was doing last year.
“I had a pretty honest conversation with Dave (Wessels) and the leadership group and we all sort of told each other what we think and it was pretty hard at the time, but it's actually funny how much you get out of it.
“It was a bit of a turning point for us and seem to be going good now.”
Wessels described Saturday’s occasion as a momentous one for the teams, who were both caught in a months-long saga that resulted in the axing of the Force from Super Rugby, and Meakes said there was certainly still a link between the players, many of whom played in WA last year.
“We both went through the same sort of scenarios last year and for whatever reason it's brought us pretty close together,” he said.
“It's going to be a pretty passionate game out there but one that's played in good spirits and I'm sure both teams are really excited about it.
Meakes said they would certainly be taking the clash seriously and would hopefully help the side keep their Super Rugby momentum going into a critical final month of Super Rugby.
“You play this game for fun, but at the same time you play to win,” he said.
“Sending the strongest team we have available is important for us, and obviously getting a win is just as important.
“It's definitely a game we want to win and I suppose it's an opportunity for us to get some contact work in and get another game under our belt before our big game against the Waratahs in a few weeks.”
The Rebels will name their team for the match on Thursday.
The Rebels take on the Force in World Series Rugby on Saturday June 9, kicking off at 8pm local, 10pm AEST, LIVE on FOX SPORTS and on 7Two in WA.
