Sean McMahon will play his first game of 2017 when the Rebels host the Reds on Saturday night.
McMahon hasn't played game since last year's Wallabies Spring Tour, after off-season ankle surgery and a knee setback curtailed the start to his year.
The flanker will come off the bench against the Reds, one of two changes to the matchday 23, along with the return of Colby Faingaa.
Faingaa was a late withdrawal from the side against the Lions, with a quad concern, but has been cleared for Saturday's Aussie derby.
Rebels coach Tony McGahan said the pair would be a handy boost for the match.
“It’s timely to get back some key personnel with the return of Colby (Fainga’a) and Sean (McMahon) to provide some much-needed experience and depth against a quality Queensland Reds outfit,” he said.
“We know that we let ourselves down against the Lions last weekend with poor execution so our focus this week is to perform the basics otherwise the Reds will punish our mistakes.”
The Rebels host the Reds on Saturday night, kicking off at 7:45pm AEST LIVE on FOX SPORTS and via RUGBY.com.au radio. Tickets at http://www.melbournerebels.com.
TEAM
Melbourne Rebels team to face the Reds
IN: Sean McMahon, Colby Faingaa
OUT: Jackson Garden-Bachop, Esei Hangaana
1. Toby Smith
2. James Hanson
3. Laurie Weeks
4. Steve Cummins
5. Dominic Day
6. Hugh Sinclair
7. Colby Fainga’a (Captain)
8. Amanaki Mafi
9. Ben Meehan
10. Ben Volavola
11. Marika Koroibete
12. Mitch Inman
13. Tom English
14. Sefa Naivalu
15. Reece Hodge
Reserves
16. Siliva Siliva
17. Fereti Sa’aga
18. Tyrel Lomax
19. Culum Retallick
20. Sean McMahon
21. Harrison Goddard
22. Will Miller
23. Jack Maddocks
