Good and bad news for Rebels ahead of Reds clash

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Melbourne Rebels lock Ross Haylett-Petty and centre Billy Meakes have been included in the side's starting XV to face the Reds at AAMI Park.

However, the team has lost team games record holder Tom English to injury.

Haylett-Petty has been promoted into the No.4 jersey, while Meakes will return to centre, after the inside back scored one try in 21 minutes of game time after coming off the bench against the Hurricanes.

The Melburnians’ backline has suffered a blow following the loss of team stalwart Tom English, who has succumbed to a calf complaint.

Richard Hardwick has also been included after successfully overcoming a foot injury sustained against the Waratahs to regain a spot on the bench.

After starting on the field last week, Victorian forward Rob Leota will begin the match in the reserves, as the Rebels look to combat a strong Queensland forward pack with a six-two split on the bench.

Melbourne Rebels: 15 Dane Haylett-Petty (captain), 14 Jack Maddocks, 13 Reece Hodge, 12 Billy Meakes, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Isi Naisarani, 7 Angus Cottrell, 6 Luke Jones, 5 Matt Philip, 4 Ross Haylett-Petty, 3 Jermaine Ainsley, 2 Anaru Rangi, 1 Tetera Faulkner.

Replacements: 16 Hugh Roach, 17 Matt Gibbon, 18 Sam Talakai, 19 Pone Fa’amausili, 20 Rob Leota, 21 Richard Hardwick, 22 Michael Ruru, 23 Campbell Magnay.

Date: Friday, May 10

Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne

Kick-off: 19.45 (09.45 GMT)

Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)

Assistant referees: Damon Murphy (Australia), Graham Cooper (Australia)

TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)