COLEMAN COUP A BIG BOOST FOR RISING REBELS

THE signing of Wallaby lock Adam Coleman has grown Melbourne Rebels’ hopes of rising from the Super Rugby cellar next season.

Coleman’s two-year deal tops the star cast being assembled at the Rebels as he gives the pack real authority.

A thumb injury will keep him out of Sunday’s spring tour finale against Scotland in Edinburgh where young Lukhan Tui will find a spot in the pack after recovering from a hamstring injury.

How seriously Coleman, 26, flirted with the idea of heading overseas is uncertain after the demise of his beloved Western Force.

The Rebels’ signing of fellow Force lock Matt Philip last week was the appetiser to the arrival of Coleman at a club that won only one Super Rugby game this year.

Electing to follow coach Dave Wessels from Perth to the Rebels guarantees a Force reunion in Melbourne.

Philip, Jono Lance, Dane and Ross Haylett-Petty, Tetera Faulkner, Billy Meakes, Richard Hardwick, Jermaine Ainsley and Anaru Rangi have already signed on.

“Obviously Dave was a big factor, but I definitely wanted to stay in Australian rugby,’’ Coleman said.

“I love playing in the gold jersey and I think we’re building something special for the 2019 World Cup.

“I’m excited to get down to Melbourne. There have been some great signings who have nicely added to the talented guys there. We’ll be aiming to give Super Rugby a good shake next year.”

This week’s three-year deal for 120kg back-up Wallabies hooker Jordan Uelese, 20, means the best of the Rebels’ homegrown talent has also been secured.