Genia had Reds in mind, fate had Rebels
WILL Genia “always wanted to go back” to the Queensland Reds but awkward timing led him to the Melbourne Rebels.
The Australian Rugby Union and the Rebels announced yesterday that Genia had signed a two-year deal to play through to the next World Cup in Japan.
The news ended months of uncertainty after the 78-Test halfback committed to returning from French club Stade Francais late last year.
Genia didn’t hide his desire to return to Queensland but they had not only signed three halfbacks for 2018, the Reds couldn’t afford the price tag set by the ARU. It is believed Genia will earn around $750,000, and Super Rugby clubs were asked to pay half.
The QRU released a statement soon after Genia’s Rebels deal was announced: “We cannot risk a salary cap breach.”
Speaking before Wallabies training, Genia was happy with his decision after it became clear a move back to Brisbane wasn’t on the cards.
“It was kind of a simple decision because it didn’t work out in terms of being accommodated at the Reds,” he said.
“It’s just the unfortunate nature of the situation. That was where I always wanted to go back and play but it’s the circumstances we were given I suppose, because I did come back at an awkward time.
“At the end of the day, I am happy with my decision. I don’t have any regret. I don’t have any bad feeling or anything towards the Reds or anything like that. I am happy.”
Genia, who moved to Paris to play after the 2015 World Cup, said the switch to Melbourne was “a new challenge”.
He said he had wanted to play for the Rebels if the Reds weren’t a possibility but had been forced to wait until their future was clarified within the Super Rugby downsizing saga.
“It’s a young club, with a lot of success to achieve,” he said.