The Melbourne Rebels aren't heading to Queensland for a holiday - that's the message from coach Tony McGahan ahead of their Super Rugby clash with the embattled Reds on Friday night.
Winning four of their last five matches the 10th-placed Rebels have earned a rest.
But McGahan says they will need to be at their best against a Queensland team who are running last but will be playing for pride and Wallabies jerseys.
"We're not there for a couple of days away to relax," McGahan said on Wednesday.
"We understand the quality of the opposition and the opposition's motivation."
He said he didn't think the Reds' off-field coaching restructure - with veteran coach John Connolly coming in as coaching advisor to Richard Graham - would affect their performance.
"In my experience the players can distance themselves really well from whatever is happening off the field and I'm sure the Reds players, with their experience, will be doing that," said McGahan.
"They understand it's an interstate derby and it's important for them to finish off the season well.
"They've got a lot of Wallabies players who are keen to get on so they've got lots to play for."
The Rebels are set to welcome back foundation prop Laurie Weeks from a serious leg injury.
Weeks said the fact that it was a local derby meant that it would be tough at Suncorp Stadium.
"It doesn't matter where you are sitting on the table Australian teams always aim up," Weeks said.
"You only have to look at the Force and Tahs ... there's no doubt we're taking this very seriously and will be bringing our best."
Meanwhile, the Rebels have locked down exciting young flanker Jordy Reid until the end of the 2017 season.
In his third year at the Rebels, 23-year-old Reid has been in outstanding form and knocked back other offers to remain in Melbourne.
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