Young guns start for Rebels

 

Debreczeni, who has played in the Rebels previous two matches as a replacement, recently re-signed with the club and is part of a backline shuffle that also sees Jason Woodward move to the right wing.

 

Rebels' head coach Tony McGahan was excited to unleash the youngster from the first minute against the Reds.

 

"Jack has been able to play effectively off the bench for the last two games, and we really want to have a good look at him starting," McGahan said. 

 

"With Jason [Woodward] and Tom [English] joining him in the back three, and Tamati [Ellison] and Mitch [Inman] in the centres, there are plenty of good players around Jack to help him settle in.

 

"We're really excited for him; he has known for a while he was getting that opportunity so he's been able to really enjoy training without being lumped with the surprise later in the week, and I think he has appreciated that."

 

Debreczeni's inclusion is one of three personnel changes to the starting line-up.

 

Following an extremely impressive campaign at the IRB Junior World Championships, McMahon returns to the starting line-up at blindside flank, with Colby Fainga'a switching to openside.

 

"We kept a close eye on the JWC, and were in conversation with the Australian U20 head coach Adrian Thompson about our players and their progress," McGahan said. 

 

"Sean had a huge impact at the tournament, and we're really keen for him to get some more game time this week.

 

"He'll have a big impact on the carry, at the breakdown and with his tackling, and we're looking forward to him making a real statement.

 

Wallaby scrumhalf Luke Burgess also returns to the starting team, after injuring his knee against the Reds in Brisbane last month. 

 

Burgess had scored two tries prior to sustaining the injury, and will be looking for a repeat performance.

 

In a further boost to the Rebels, fellow scrumhalf Nic Stirzaker has recovered from an ankle injury to be named as a replacement.

 

"Luke and Nic have both done a really good job for us this season, and this weekend Luke has the opportunity to start," McGahan said.

 

"Ben Meehan has done a great job for the last two games, but they come back in and we are confident in their ability to get the job done."

 

Rebels: 15 Jack Debreczeni, 14 Jason Woodward,13 Tamati Ellison, 12 Mitch Inman , 11 Tom English, 10 Bryce Hegarty, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Scott Higginbotham (captain), 7 Colby Fainga'a, 6 Sean McMahon, 5 Luke Jones, 4 Cadeyrn Neville, 3 Laurie Weeks, 2 Pat Leafa, 1 Toby Smith.

Replacements: 16 Shota Horie, 17 Cruze Ah-Nau, 18 Paul Alo-Emile, 19 Hugh Pyle, 20 Scott Fuglistaller, 21 Nic Stirzaker, 22 Telusa Veainu, 23 Tom Kingston.

 

Date: Friday, June 27

Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne

Kick-off: 19.40 (09.40 GMT)

Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)

Assistant referees: Matt O'Brien (Australia), Damien Mitchelmore (Australia)

TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)