Jason Woodward says Melbourne Rebels more united following departure of troublemakers

FULLBACK Jason Woodward says Melbourne Rebels are clique free and a tighter unit than ever before heading into the new Super Rugby season.

Woodward says the Rebels are far more of a united outfit compared to last year.

FULLBACK Jason Woodward says Melbourne Rebels are clique free and a tighter unit than ever before heading into the new Super Rugby season.

Last season was plagued by behavioural issues involving now departed stars Kurtley Beale and James O'Connor.

But it is a new-look Rebels outfit this season and Woodward said the side would be better for it.

"To the credit of the all the new boys that have come in, they've really stepped up and taken on some big roles," he said.

"There's a lot of good friendships and no cliques.

"I think everyone is tighter this year and it is a really good environment to be in.

"Hopefully we can take out and really use it to our advantage on field."

Melbourne is looking to make it two from two in the pre-season when it meets the Hurricanes at Geelong's Simonds Stadium on Saturday night.

Woodward said the match would serve as another step in the side's goal to become one of the league's strongest defensive units.

"Defence has been a focus as well as working around our ruck area," he said.

"We want to make it a strong point of the side throughout the whole season.

"That will be the same in Geelong as well."

Saturday's clash will be the club's second consecutive match played in 40C heat after last week's win over NSW Waratahs in Albury.

"I don't think the club had won a pre-season game yet, so to get the ball rolling like that after a tough pre-season was exciting for everyone," Woodward said.