The Melbourne Rising have named a 33-player squad for the 2016 National Rugby Championship (NRC), which kicks off against the Perth Spirit on Saturday 29 August in Perth. The Rising have retained 19 players from last year’s squad that progressed through to a second consecutive National Rugby Championship semi-final, along with the return of Nic Stirzaker (shoulder) and Sefa Naivalu (broken leg) from 2014. “The NRC is exciting for players and fans alike, the nature of the tournament offers promising aspirants a national stage to compete while encouraging attacking, expansive Rugby,” Hilton said. "We have developed a competitive Rugby culture in the Rising off the back of the strong local club history in Melbourne and are excited about what the third season of the NRC will bring." Rebels new recruits Tyrel Lomax, Jack Maddocks and Alex Toolis will make their first appearances in the blue, red and white after signing with the Rebels for the 2017 Super Rugby season. The Rising