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Rebels out to utilise Koroibete strengths

3 minute read

Interim Rebels coach Kevin Foote wants to get star Wallabies winger Marika Koroibete more involved in the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman competition.

MARIKA KOROIBETE of the Wallabies.
MARIKA KOROIBETE of the Wallabies. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

With Wallabies attack coach Scott Wisemantel lending a hand, Melbourne will look to maximise the talents of star winger Marika Koroibete through the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman competition.

Rated one of the world's best wingers, Koroibete was under-utilised by the Rebels in Super Rugby AU and didn't score a single try.

Coach Dave Wessels quit the head coach post after the underwhelming season with the Rebels missing finals, with interim coach Kevin Foote elevated from assistant and hoping to make an impact in the six-week league against New Zealand teams.

As well as Melbourne performing well, Foote wants the role on a permanent basis with his first audition coming against the Blues at AAMI Park on Saturday night.

Rebels attack coach Shaun Berne departed along with Wessels and given the tight time-frame Wisemantel will provide some guidance through the Trans-Tasman competition.

Wisemantel and senior Rebels backs, Wallabies Matt Toomua, Reece Hodge and Dane Haylett-Petty, as well as Foote have nailed down their new attacking strategy.

"We designed it together and there's been some shared ideas around our attack," Foote told AAP.

"Scotty ran the meeting this morning and his detail has been excellent."

A priority is to get Koroibete more involved.

"Exactly that - we're looking for some clarity on how we actually do that," Foote said.

"Guys like Marika, the more they're touching the ball and the more we're giving them one on one contests that's the style of game I'm keen for us to play."

The Rebels have three big names suspended for the match. Newly re-signed lock Trevor Hosea will miss, as well as No.8 Isi Naisarani and prop Pone Fa'amausili who were both sent off in their last outing.

With the Brumbies and Super Rugby AU champions Queensland playing out a brutal grand final decided after full-time, Melbourne are hoping fresh legs gives them a flying start.

"We will be right up for this game as we haven't played well at home this year," Foote said.

"We've let ourselves down a fair bit so we are excited to rip into it."

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