Test flanker Sean McMahon will play his first Super Rugby game of the season on Saturday night when Melbourne host Queensland at AAMI Park.
McMahon hasn't played since last year's Wallabies Spring Tour after off-season ankle surgery and then a knee injury which had delayed his start to the year.
The 22-year-old on Thursday evening was named on the bench, with the Rebels making two changes to the squad who suffered a 47-10 loss last round to the Lions.
Fellow flanker Colby Fainga'a, who had been a late withdrawal from that side with a quad injury, has been cleared for the must-win local derby.
Melbourne coach Tony McGahan said it was a boost to have the duo back on board.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"It's timely to get back some key personnel with the return of Colby and Sean to provide some much-needed experience and depth against a quality Queensland Reds outfit," McGahan 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 have won four of the past six meetings with the Reds, including last season's two encounters.
MELBOURNE:
Reece Hodge, Sefa Naivalu, Tom English, Mitch Inman, Marika Koroibete, Ben Volavola, Ben Meehan, Amanaki Mafi, Colby Fainga'a (capt), Hugh Sinclair, Dominic Day, Steve Cummins, Laurie Weeks, James Hanson, Toby Smith.
Res: Siliva Siliva, Fereti Sa'aga, Tyrel Lomax, Culum Retallick, Sean McMahon, Harrison Goddard, Will Miller, Jack Maddocks.
