Despite a disappointing 2024 season where the Rebels finished 11th, Southern Districts fullback Issac Kneepkens seems confident his side can push up the ladder this year.

Former Wallaby Scott Fava has taken the reigns at Forshaw over summer and Kneepkens said his side are a long way ahead of where they were at this time last season.

“You obviously judge every season on results and although we didn’t get the results we wanted last year, there were a lot of positive off the field that showed the club was rebuilding,” Kneepkens told Rugby News.

"I think that’s gone to a new level again over summer.

“There are a lot of new faces at training and there are a lot of guys pushing for spots in first grade. That depth and competition is something we’ve probably lacked in recent years.