Dane Haylett-Petty has made a full recovery from lingering concussion symptoms and a neck injury, named in the Rebels starting XV which will face the Sunwolves.
Haylett-Petty has battled concussion symptoms and later, a neck injury, since Melbourne's loss to the Waratahs in round five, featuring in just two matches since then.
But he is back, fit and firing, named at fullback as the Rebels prepare to face the red hot Sunwolves.
While the star fullback is a welcome addition, Will Genia's name is still absent from the team sheet, having been rated a 50-50 chance of playing earlier this week.
There is better news for star young gun Jordan Uelese, who has been named on the bench ahead of Nathan Charles having overcome an injury suffered against the Bulls in Pretoria a month ago.
Matt Philip will start alongside Adam Coleman ahead of Geoff Parling, who has been relegated to the bench, and there is a backline shuffle triggered by the move of Reece Hodge to flyhalf.
Billy Meakes will start at inside centre, with Jack Debreczeni left out of the 23 altogether - Tayler Adams set to provide playmaking cover on the pine.
Haylett-Petty's return means Jack Maddocks will start on the right wing, with Semisi Tupou also missing out on the 23.
Sefa Naivalu will provide outside back cover in his place, with Ben Daley and potential debutant Pone Fa’amausili named as bench props ahead of Tetera Faulkner and Jermaine Ainsley.
TEAM
Rebels team to face the Sunwolves
1. Fereti Sa’aga
2. Anaru Rangi
3. Sam Talakai
4. Matt Philip
5. Adam Coleman (C)
6. Angus Cottrell
7. Colby Fainga’a
8. Amanaki Mafi
9. Michael Ruru
10. Reece Hodge
11. Marika Koroibete
12. Billy Meakes
13. Tom English
14. Jack Maddocks
15. Dane Haylett-Petty
Reserves
16. Jordan Uelese
17. Ben Daley
18. Pone Fa’amausili
19. Geoff Parling
20. Lopeti Timani
21. Harrison Goddard
22. Tayler Adams
23. Sefa Naivalu
The Rebels face the Sunwolves at AAMI Park on Friday night, kicking off at 7:45pm AEST, broadcast LIVE on FOX SPORTS and RUGBY.com.au radio.
