The ACT Brumbies hope a fast decision on coach Dan McKellar's future will pave the way for smoother player contract negotiations and help them fend off overseas poaching attempts this year.
The Brumbies finalised a two-year deal for McKellar on the eve of the Super Rugby season, announcing an extension until at least the end of 2021 the day before the first game of the year.
Dan McKellar has signed a two-year contract extension.Credit:Karleen Minney
"There will be a changeover [in players]. We're working through a process ourselves on key guys who we need at the club. We meet on a weekly basis to work through that."
McKellar fell one win short of taking the Brumbies to the finals in his rookie season as a head coach, but the way the team finished the year convinced the board he was the right man for the future.
"You never take these positions or opportunities for granted," McKellar said.
"It's a vote of confidence in myself, my staff, the playing group and the program as a whole. They [the board] can see the direction the club is heading in and I'm just really pleased to get this out of the way.
"It's something that just doesn't drag on through the year. Now it's about performance and transferring the pleasing things we've done, and putting on a good performance for our fans.
"I'm just really confident in the vision we've had from day one, the style of rugby I think we can play here and to win at Super Rugby.
"We've really encouraged our players to play without fear, not worry about mistakes and back their skills. They appreciate that, it's like taking the shackles off them.
"I've always been about sustainable success, not just here and now. We've got to put a program in place that we can develop our own."
The Brumbies have a season-defining stretch to start the season, playing four Australian derbies and three New Zealand sides in the first seven weeks of the campaign.
They lost both games against the Rebels last year, but skipper Lealiifano said the players had faith in the way the McKellar had built the program for 2019.
"We want to be a team that's continually evolving and adapting. We want to be a team that will try to entertain our fans," Lealiifano said.
"I'm stoked [for McKellar], I think it's good they've got some clarity around what he's doing. I've personally enjoyed his development and growth, I'm looking forward to seeing what he produces."
SUPER RUGBY ROUND ONE
Friday: ACT Brumbies v Melbourne Rebels at Canberra Stadium, 7.45pm.
Brumbies: 1. James Slipper, 2. Folau Faingaa, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Rory Arnold, 5. Sam Carter, 6. Rob Valetini, 7. David Pocock, 8. Lachlan McCaffrey, 9. Joe Powell, 10. Christian Lealiifano, 11. Toni Pulu, 12. Irae Simone, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 14. Henry Speight, 15. Tom Banks. Reserves: 16. Josh Mann-Rea, 17. Scott Sio, 18. Les Leuluaialii-Makin, 19. Blake Enever, 20. Pete Samu, 21. Matt Lucas, 22. Wharenui Hawera, 23. Andy Muirhead.
Rebels: 1. Tetera Faulkner, 2. Anaru Rangi, 3. Jermaine Ainsley, 4. Luke Jones, 5. Matt Philip, 6. Angus Cottrell, 7. Richard Hardwick, 8. Isi Naisarani, 9. Will Genia, 10. Quade Cooper, 11. Marika Koroibete, 12. Billy Meakes, 13. Tom English, 14. Jack Maddocks, 15. Dane Haylett-Petty. Reserves: 16. Robbie Abel, 17. Matt Gibbon, 18. Sam Talakai, 19. Esei Haangana, 20. Brad Wilkin, 21. Rob Leota, 22. Michael Ruru, 23. Semisi Tupou.
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