Melbourne Rebels coach Tony McGahan has named 11 uncapped players in his 24-man side for Thursday nights trial match against the Blues in Auckland. The squad is a combination of Rebels, extended squad players, Under-20’s and local Melbourne players. “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.” New recruits James Hanson and Reece Hodge, along with Melbourne Rising player Sione Taufa and Under-20’s member Ta Hosea, will pull on a Rebels jersey for the first time after being named in the starting line-up. The Rebels team for the first trial will feature 12 players returning from last season and 603 Super Rugby games of e