Gerrard able to start for Rebels?

Gerrard was thought to have fractured his sternum last weekend in a massive tackle from Motu Matu'u. Gerrard established himself as a hardman by playing on through the pain against the 'Canes in a losing cause, as the Rebels had no replacements left on the bench. Call it brave or stupid, but he will start again this week.

 

"He trained yesterday [Wednesday] and he trained well, so we're very confident he'll be right to play," coach Damien Hill told AAP.

 

The Rebels have lost centre Lachlan Mitchell through concussion from other massive Matu'u tackle last weekend. Playmaker Kurtley Beale is also out with a shoulder injury.

 

Beale's absence leaves the flyhalf duties to James Hilgendorf, who has some big boots to fill following Beale's impressive run of form in recent weeks.

 

In Mitchell's place captain Stirling Mortlock makes his first start of the year at inside centre, with Mitch Inman outside im.

 

There are two changes to the pack, with veteran hooker Adam Freier preferred to Ged Robinson, while flank Hugh Perrett makes his first start in a switch with Tim Davidson.

 

"Hugh Perrett is a very accomplished player in the Sydney club competition and we're looking forward to his contribution against [Michael] Hooper on the weekend," Hill said.

 

There is one final change on the bench, where Nic Stirzaker comes in to provide backline cover.

 

Rebels: 15 Julian Huxley, 14 Mark Gerrard, 13 Mitch Inman, 12 Stirling Mortlock (captain), 11 Cooper Vuna, 10 James Hilgendorf, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Gareth Delve, 7 Hugh Perrett, 6 Luke Jones, 5 Hugh Pyle, 4 Cadeyrn Neville, 3 Jono Owen, 2 Adam Freier, 1 Nic Henderson. 

Replacements: 16 Ged Robinson, 17 Rodney Blake, 18 Alister Campbell, 19 Tom Chamberlain, 20 Tim Davidson, 21 Richard Kingi, 22 Nic Stirzaker.

 

Date: Friday, June 1

Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne

Kick-off: 19.40 (09.40 GMT)

Referee: Keith Brown (New Zealand)

Assistant referees: Ian Smith (Australia), Simon Moore (Australia)

TMO: Steve Lesczcynski (Australia)