New RaboDirect Rebels back-rower Jordy Reid has spoken of how appreciative he is of the Rebels Coaching staff’s efforts in helping him to settle into his first professional rugby contract.
“We have only had a couple of sessions so far, but the coaching staff have been great," said Reid.
"They want to know how I’m settling in, want to know how I’m finding training and Melbourne.
"They’ve had a couple of the new guys, including me, with all the other coaches for a BBQ with their families and a couple of the other coaches, and just made it really easy for all of the new guys. It has been a massive help already.”
The young Sydney-sider is living out of home for the first time following his move to the Rebels, but is enjoying having a familiar face as his housemate and the move in general.
“I’m living with big Cadeyrn Neville, who I played with at Manly," said Reid.
"That has really helped with the transition and saved a lot of stress, having somebody familiar to live with. The move has been really good, I was so excited to get down to Melbourne, and I’m loving it.”
Reid spoke with another franchise about a potential Super Rugby contract, but the Rebels were the franchise he most wanted to join.
"As soon as I had spoken to Sam Cordingley and Nick Ryan, the recruitment guys, I just jumped at the opportunity straight away," said Reid.
"There are some really good, experienced back-rowers down here I will get to learn from, and play beside, and that makes a huge difference.
"To have guys like Jarrod Saffy, Gareth Delve, Tim Davidson and Scott Higginbotham, it’s perfect for a young bloke. The Rebels were easily the best franchise for me to come to.”
Reid is an unabashed fan of the way the Rebels play rugby, and it appears that many of his teammates and opponents in Sydney club rugby are as well.
"Everybody up there just loves watching the Rebels play," said Reid.
"It’s an exciting style of rugby, and I know guys who prefer watching the Rebels than the Aussie franchises who win their games playing a more conservative style.”
Reid is confident that the attacking style the Rebels play can certainly bring results in 2013.
"It’s only a matter of time before those close losses turn into little wins, or even big wins," said Reid.
"With the roster we have this year, if we get the consistency right, there is no reason why we can’t have a crack at trying to make it to the finals.”
Reid admits he has aspirations to make an instant impact at the Rebels, but insists that there is plenty of hard work to do first.
"I am already working harder than I ever have. They demand a lot out of us, which is a good challenge," said Reid.
"I want to have a solid pre-season, get my strength and fitness to where it needs to be and try and force my way into the 22. I know it won’t be easy with such a strong back-row here, but if I train hard then it is definitely a goal of mine.”
Rebels Recruiting Manager Sam Cordingley is confident Reid is up to the rigours of Super Rugby if he works hard and earns an opportunity.
“Jordy, and all of our other new signings, are capable of playing Super Rugby, and that’s why we signed them," said Cordingley.
"Jordy’s physicality and intent around the breakdown are very impressive; his approach to this area of the game is not something you can coach. You either have it or you don’t, and Jordy definitely does. He doesn’t miss a bloke when he hits him either!
“If Jordy can develop the subtleties around his role, he will be a fantastic asset for the Rebels.”
Rebels’ fans certainly have something to be excited about in the case of this big, strong back-rower.
Pete Fairbairn is a freelance writer and a big RaboDirect Rebels fan. You can follow him on twitter @skippytbk