Sefa Naivalu is the latest high-profile Rebel to be ruled out of their opening Super Rugby clash, with the winger failing to overcome an infection.
Naivalu shapes as one of the side's key players heading into 2017, but the speedster will be watching on as his teammates play the Blues on Thursday night.
The 25-year-old joins James Hanson, Sean McMahon, Toby Smith and Marika Koroibete among the spectators for the first matchup, with rookie Jack Maddocks to debut on the wing.
Maddocks, last year's Australia U20s fullback, has finally shaken off a bout of glandular fever to take the field for his first professional outing.
Jordan Uelese and Tyrel Lomax join Maddocks as graduates of last year's U20s to make the cut for the opening Rebels match, with Uelese the third Victorian to play for the Rebels.
Amanaki Mafi is a new face in the Rebels back row, with McMahon ruled out for the first month of the season, combining with Jordy Reid and Colby Faingaa in the starting lineup.
Mafi has been preferred to Lopeti Timani in that spot, despite the Tongan looming as the future Test number eight.
The injury list is a lengthy one but Rebels coach Tony McGahan is confident that it won't be as debilitating as the casualty count proved in 2016, preferring to take a cautious route with players.
“A couple injuries and illnesses during the trial phase has impacted selection for our season opener but the situation presents an early opportunity for players to put their hand up and stake their claim for positions,” McGahan said.
“It’s unfortunate we’re missing key players for Round One, we gave everyone the chance to prove their fitness and availability, but it’s too early in the season to risk the long term health of our players with a big season still ahead of us.
“There’s no shying away from the challenge with face against the Blues, they’re going to be a physical side full of confidence after their trial victory over the Chiefs last week, but we’ve got 23 fit players ready to roll up their sleeves and eager to impress."
Captain Nic Stirzaker will play his 50th cap, while new flyhalf Jackson Garden-Bachop will be the 100th Rebel to take the field.
Discarded Red Jake Schatz is in line for his Melbourne debut, included on the bench.
The Melbourne Rebels will kick off the 2017 Super Rugby season when they host the Blues from Auckland at AAMI Park on Thursday 23 February from 7.30pm.
TEAM
Rebels team to take on the Blues on Thursday February 23, kicking off at 7:40pm AEDT
1. Cruze Ah-Nau
2. Pat Leafa
3. Laurie Weeks
4. Steve Cummins
5. Lopeti Timani
6. Jordy Reid
7. Colby Fainga’a
8. Amanaki Mafi
9. Nic Stirzaker (Captain)
10. Jackson Garden-Bachop
11. Tom English
12. Reece Hodge
13. Mitch Inman
14. Jack Maddocks
15. Jack Debreczeni
Reserves
16. Jordan Uelese
17. Tom Moloney
18. Tyrel Lomax
19. Culum Retallick
20. Jake Schatz
21. Ben Meehan
22. Sione Tuipulotu
23. Jonah Placid
Blues team to take on the Rebels on Thursday February 23
1. Pauliasi Manu
2. Matt Moulds
3. Sione Mafileo
4. Jimmy Tupou
5. Gerard Cowley-Tuioti
6. Steven Luatua
7. Blake Gibson
8. Akira Ioane
9. Augustine Pulu
10. Ihaia West
11. Melani Nanai
12. Piers Francis
13. Rieko Ioane
14. Matt Duffie
15. Michael Collins
Reserves
16. Hame Faiva
17. Sam Prattley
18. Charlie Faumuina
19. Scott Scrafton
20. Murphy Taramai
21. Sam Nock
22. George Moala
23. Rene Ranger
