Hooker Jordan Uelese is in line to play his first Super Rugby match since Round 16, 2018 after the 22-year-old was named in the replacements to face the Sunwolves this Saturday in Tokyo.
Adam Coleman and Tom English have also returned to the side after missing the side’s last round loss to the Bulls at AAMI Park.
Club Captain English will look to earn his first Cap after missing the previous two matches with a calf complaint.
Coleman will start after returning from a shoulder injury sustained in Round 10 against the Waratahs.
The return of Coleman to the forward pack highlights four other changes to the starting XV, with Matt Gibbon and Hugh Roach to start at prop and hooker respectively, while Richard Hardwick has been moved from flanker to eight.
Head Coach Dave Wessels says the inclusion of Coleman, Uelese and English will be a positive boost for the side, with all three having competed well enough to re-earn their spots.
“Jordan Uelese has done a hell of a job in his rehab and competed, so it's great to have him back in the mix. He's in the best physical shape I've ever seen him in, and he's really worked hard through his rehab process to be in career best shape," Wessels noted.
Wessels stated the decision to bring reserve hooker Hugh Roach into the starting role came down to his good form, allowing Anaru Rangi an opportunity to gain a much-needed rest.
"Anaru just needs a little bit of a rest, I found him to be a bit flat. He really puts his body on the line, so he deserves a bit of a rest,” he said.
“We're fortunate that Hugh Roach is playing really well, every time he's come off the bench, he's made an impression."
Wessels has also been pleased with the energy brought to training this week.
"I thought he (Adam Coleman) brought a real presence in training today. His control around the set piece, which will obviously be very important this weekend, and he's in very good shape," Wessels said.
“He hasn't been able to play in recent weeks, but he's done a lot of conditioning and a lot of running, so his body is feeling pretty fresh and pretty fit, so it's nice to have him back in the mix.
"Tom (English) is a massive part of our team on and off field. He drives a lot of feeling around the Club, and he's played, until the injury, almost every game for us, and he's a big part of our on-field presence as well, so it's nice to have him back in the mix."
Melbourne Rebels Match Day 23 v Sunwolves, Saturday 25 May, kick off 3:15pm (EST)
Ins: Adam Coleman, Jordan Uelese
Outs: Campbell Magnay, Anaru Rangi
1. Matt Gibbon
2. Hugh Roach
3. Sam Talakai
4. Matt Philip
5. Adam Coleman
6. Ross Haylett-Petty
7. Angus Cottrell (vc)
8. Richard Hardwick
9. Will Genia
10. Quade Cooper
11. Marika Koroibete
12. Billy Meakes
13. Reece Hodge
14. Jack Maddocks
15. Dane Haylett-Petty (c)
Replacements
16. Jordan Uelese
17. Tetera Faulkner
18. Jermaine Ainsley
19. Sam Jeffries
20. Rob Leota
21. Michael Ruru
22. Matt To'omua
23. Tom English
