New captain Scott Higginbotham will lead the Rebels for their first hit-out of the year
against the Waratahs in Albury on Saturday

Rebels Media Release –

The RaboDirect Rebels have named their team as they host the NSW Waratahs in Albury in their first trial match of the 2014 pre-season.

With temperatures predicted to soar over 40 degrees, the match will be played in quarters and will feature nearly the entire Rebels squad, as well as two trialists.

The squad has been put through its toughest off season ever under new Head Coach Tony McGahan, while Japanese International Shota Horie and All Black Tamati Ellison are still yet to join the squad following their Club commitments in Japan.

Highlights of the squad include the return of 2014 Wallaby aspirants Scott Higginbotham and Hugh Pyle from shoulder surgery, as well nine contracted Rebels being selected to make their debut. Luke Burgess, Tom Kingston and Lopeti Timani will all feature against their old side for the first time in a Rebels jersey.

Tom Kingston and Lopeti Timani will make their Rebels debut against their former side

1st Quarter: Tom Kingston, Alex Rokobaro, Lalakai Foketi, Lachlan Mitchell, Joe Kamana, Angus Roberts, Luke Burgess; Scott Higginbotham (C), Jordy Reid, Sean McMahon, Lopeti Timani, Luke Jones, Laurie Weeks, Steve Foulau, Max Lahiff

2nd Quarter: Tom Kingston, Alex Rokobaro, Lachlan Mitchell, Lalakai Foketi, Joe Kamana, Angus Roberts, Ben Meehan; Scott Higginbotham (C), Jordy Reid, Sean McMahon, Lopeti Timani, Luke Jones, Cruze Ah-Nau, Steve Foulau, Eddie Aholelei

3rd Quarter: Jason Woodward, Tom Kingston, Tom English, Mitch Inman, Telusa Veainu, Bryce Hegarty, Nic Stirzaker; Lopeti Timani, Scott Fuglistaller, Colby Fainga’a, Luke Jones, Hugh Pyle, Paul Alo-Emile, Pat Leafa, Toby Smith

4th Quarter: Jason Woodward, Tom Kingston, Tom English, Mitch Inman, Telusa Veainu, Bryce Hegarty, Nic Stirzaker; Colby Fainga’a, Scott Fuglistaller, Sean McMahon, Luke Jones, Hugh Pyle, Paul Alo-Emile, Pat Leafa, Toby Smith

To read our preview of the Rebels v Waratahs clash in Albury, click here.

To purchase tickets, click here.

To hear from Head Coach Tony McGahan and Tom English at training on Tuesday on REB TV, click here.