Nick Phipps clears the ball to James O'Connor at fice-eighth for the Rebels. Picture: Richard Jupe Source: The Mercury
MELBOURNE Rebels scrumhalf Nick Phipps' touted move to NSW could be formalised within hours.
Phipps, 24, is believed to have committed to the Waratahs last week amid speculation the Rebels are pursuing Wallaby halfback rival Luke Burgess.
Phipps has played every game in Melbourne's three-season, 36-match history.
But it appears Melbourne administrators were forced to look elsewhere after negotiations stalled.
It is understood Phipps' reluctance to accept the club's original offer was the tipping point.
Phipps is believed to have been eager to remain at Melbourne because of his foundation player status and the role the club played in his rise from third-grade rugby to fully fledged international.
Phipps was Melbourne's inaugural player of the year and Super Rugby's rookie of the year in 2011, and is popular with his peers.
It seems the club valued Phipps accordingly, but there was a difference of opinion over money.
Burgess, 28, is said to be seeking an early release from his three-year deal with French club Toulouse.
If he can organise the release, Burgess could be back in Wallaby colours by the end of the year.
Meanwhile, Melbourne's run of Super Rugby near misses will be softened by the return of Cooper Vuna, Jason Woodward and Kurtley Beale.
All three could play on the Rebels' three-match tour against the Sharks (Durban), Cheetahs (Bloemfontein) and Western Force (Perth) after this week's bye.
Wallabies winger Vuna is close to resuming after suffering a fractured shoulder blade in a pre-season match.
Fullback/winger Woodward has been running strongly after suffering ruptured finger tendons.
And Beale is optimistic he can push for selection against the Cheetahs after surgery on his left hand.
The Rebels will venture to South Africa, stung by a 23-13 defeat to 2011 champions Queensland Reds.
For the third time in three matches, the Rebels led at half-time. But there was no prolonged lapse against Queensland. Instead, the contest turned on a controversial penalty reversal.
Disappointed with the result, Hill is upbeat about the Rebels' evolution.
"We lost our composure in the last 10 minutes ... but for 70 minutes I was exceptionally proud of what the boys put together," he said. "Keep in mind there were 14 Wallabies out there for the Reds and three for us. Our guys did exceptionally well."
Hill has no doubt the Rebels are on the verge of performing well - a view gaining traction. Despite just one win in four games, statistics in every area show the Rebels are a vastly superior unit to 2011-12.
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