Southern Districts will begin life without flyhalf Ben Volavola this weekend, when the Rebels host Randwick at Forshaw on Saturday.

After helping Souths claim a 31-10 bonus point win over Sydney Uni last week, Volavola flew to Suva to join the Fijian national side ahead of the Pacific Nations Cup. He’s expected to remain with the side through to the World Cup, before linking with the Crusaders for the 2016-17 Super Rugby seasons.

“Ben has been a big part of the success that the team and the club has experienced over his five seasons at Souths, he’s a very gifted and talented footballer and he certainly will be missed,” Rebels coach Matt Barr told Rugby News.

Former NSW Schoolboy Jordan McGregor has been given the arduous task of replacing Volavola for this weekend’s clash against the Galloping Greens. Whilst the 25 year old has missed the majority of the season through injury, Barr is confident that he’s up for the challenge.

“Jordy has been with the club for a number of years. He’s had a bit of first grade experience, very good goal kicker and he plays a very similar stye to Ben Volavola so that should make it a fairly easy transition,” Barr said.

“They are big shoes to fill, but I’ve got no doubt he can fill them.”

Like Volavola, Barr said McGregor had the qualities needed to lead the Rebels in the coming weeks.

“He’s just one of those guys that looks like he has all the time in the world. He organises very well, he’s got a very good pass, very smart kicking game and really good at managing how we want to play.”

Australian 7’s star Paul Asquith played flyhalf against Eastern Suburbs earlier this year in what Barr described as his side’s “best half of footy this season.”

Whilst Asquith will miss Saturday’s clash with a slight hamstring strain, Barr hasn’t ruled out moving his fullback forward.

“Paul still might get that opportunity at 10. He defends in the front line, so it’s just a matter of attack, we’ll just have to wait and see.”

Barr admitted moving Asquith to flyhalf would limit his attacking flair, but said the return of Ben Connolly allowed for that option.

“Ben’s very much an attacking 15, he likes the ball in hand, he’s a strong powerful runner and a very capable replacement, so we’ve got that option as well.”

Regardless of who wears the number 10 jersey, the coach is hopeful the side’s senior players will be able to relieve pressure from the playmaker.

“We’ve got a of maturity in the group now from our experience in the last couple of years.”

“Alex Gibbon and Afa Pakalani both like to get in and find work, that will help. Plus with Jed (Holloway) back, I think those guys will take a lot of pressure off him and really help him out.”

Throw in the potential return of Waratahs recruit Sam Lousi in the coming weeks and it might be a little early to rule the Rebels out in 2015.