Wallabies vice-captain Will Genia is unconcerned about Melbourne having no coach after committing to the Rebels for the 2018 and 2019 Super Rugby seasons.
Ending nine months of uncertainty, Genia announced on Tuesday he was joining the Rebels after spending the past two years in Europe with Stade Francais.
The 78-Test halfback had hoped to return to the Queensland Reds but is now embracing the chance to help revive the Rebels' fortunes.
The Reds already have three No.9s on their books and, in any case, couldn't fit Wallabies star under the salary cap.
Genia's deal is believed to be worth around $800,000 a season, with the ARU and the Rebels going halves.
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"It was a simple decision because it didn't work out as far as being accommodated at the Reds," Genia said.
"So I could have waited and waited and waited until, I think, the 31st of December, but I just decided to make a call and I'm pretty happy with my decision, pretty comfortable.
"It's just the unfortunate nature of the situation. I always wanted to go back and play (in Brisbane) but that's just the circumstances that we were given because I did come back at such an awkward time.
"I don't have any regret or have any bad feelings towards the Reds."
It's a coup for the Rebels, who recently transferred their Super Rugby licence from private owners to the Victoria Rugby Union to survive the ARU axe.
The ARU announced last week they would cut the Western Force next year, taking the Rebels off the chopping block.
Genia will compete for the No.9 jersey with Melbourne skipper Nic Stirzaker, who has struggled with injury and form over the past two seasons.
"I haven't really thought about that, to be honest," Genia said from Wallabies camp ahead of Saturday's Rugby Championship opener against the All Blacks in Sydney.
"I'm just focused on preparing well here with the boys and getting stuck in against the All Blacks.
"But I guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it."
The Rebels said Genia offered much-needed experience and leadership.
"Will is a proven winner who has performed consistently in every team has has played in at Super Rugby, European and international level," said Rebels chief executive Baden Stephenson.
Queensland Rugby Union chief executive Richard Barker said the Reds wanted Genia, who played 114 Super Rugby games for the franchise and won the title in 2011, but simply couldn't afford him.
The Rebels are yet to name a replacement for axed coach Tony McGahan.
"They're in the process of interviewing some candidates for that job. For me, I wasn't so much waiting for those decisions," Genia said.
"I just wanted to make a decision and I'm really happy with it and whoever comes in to coach, I'll be looking forward to working with them."
