The Melbourne Rebels have announced their first team of the season for their trial match against the Blues on Thursday.
With the new and revamped Super Rugby season just around the corner,
11 uncapped Rebels will take the field, including recruit James Hanson who will start the game at hooker.
Coach Tony McGahan has picked a strong backline, including flyhalf Jack Debreczeni, Mike Harris, Mitch Inman and Dom Shipperley.
“We want to test our extended squad members in a competitive environment, so this trial against the Blues will give these players a chance to put into practice our last eight weeks of pre-season training,” McGahan said.
“These players have all earned their opportunity through hard work during pre-season so I want them to back themselves and their decision making under pressure in a game situation.”
“At this stage of pre-season there’s bound to be a few bumps and bruises in our squad. We’re not prepared to take risk any with three weeks until the start of the season but we expect to have a near full strength team available for our trial against Samoa.”
Melbourne Rebels team to play the Blues
1. Toby Smith, 2. James Hanson, 3. Laurie Weeks, 4. Steve Cummins, 5. Luke Jones, 6. Jordy Reid, 7. Sione Taufa, 8. Ta Hosea, 9. Ben Meehan, 10. Jack Debreczeni, 11. Tom English, 12. Mike Harris, 13. Mitch Inman, 14. Dom Shipperley, 15. Reece Hodge
Reserves:
16. Jordon Uelese, 17. Cruze Ah Nau, 18. Ryan Cocker, 19. Murray Douglas, 20. Pom Simona, 21. Angus Fowler, 22. Dan Hawkins, 23. Paul Asquith, 24. Tom Moloney
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