Rebels winger will add pace, power to Makos squad [Nelson Mail]

The Tasman Makos ranks were boosted considerably at the weekend with confirmation that Melbourne Rebels winger Peter Betham had signed for the ITM Cup campaign this year.

The 23-year-old adds what Makos coach Kieran Keane described as, "something different". Although he played for the Rebels this season, Betham, out of the Sydney University Club, is signed to play for the Waratahs in 2013.

At 1.91m and 95kg, he's certainly an imposing physical specimen and Keane said he's thrilled to have him in the squad.

Betham is a former Brumbies and Australian schoolboys rep and for two years played rugby league in the South Sydney junior competition with current Australian rep Kurtley Beale.

Betham is a straight replacement for Auckland winger Tenina Sauileoge who ruptured his ACL in a knee while playing club rugby in Auckland two weeks ago.

He's the second significant signing by Tasman in the last week alongside New Zealand under-20 No 8 Jordan Taufua on loan from Canterbury.

The Tasman Makos ITM Cup buildup kicks off in earnest this week with a game against Canterbury at Kaikoura on Friday.

- The Marlborough Express