Melbourne Rebels won’t rush star hooker Jordan Uelese back despite three consecutive defeats

A win in Friday’s clash against the Reds is crucial for the Melbourne Rebels to take out the Australian Super Rugby conference but they won’t risk returning Wallaby Jordan Uelese.

Rebels with a cause: Quade Cooper (left) and Will Genia will need to be at their best when the Queensland Reds visit.

The Melbourne Rebels have delayed the comeback of star hooker Jordan Uelese one more week, despite three losses in a row and the season fast reaching the pointy end.

The Rebels need to beat the Queensland Reds at AAMI Park on Friday to retain their Australian conference lead and stay on track for a maiden finals berth.

Former Reds star Quade Cooper — dumped by coach Brad Thorn last year before moving to the Rebels — is “pretty hungry to have a good one”, says Melbourne director of rugby Nick Ryan.

But Uelese, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury last June, will play club rugby this week after officials decided against a return last weekend.

It’s expected the 22-year-old, who has two Wallabies caps and ambitions to be part of this year’s World Cup squad, will be ready for the Rebels for next week’s game against the Bulls.

“When you have had an 11-month rehab like Jordan has … one more week, in the grand scheme, is not the end of the world,” Ryan said.

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Quade Cooper will be keen to impress against his old team this weekend.

“We want to make sure we are protecting his longevity in the game, too, not cut corners just to get him back.

“He’s going to play 40-50 minutes of club rugby and get his feet back in the water.”

Rebels coach Dave Wessels has tried to shake things up after losses to the Stormers, Waratahs, and Hurricanes in Wellington last week, which included a scoreless opening half from Melbourne.

Jordan Uelese won’t return to the top flight until the Rebels take on the Bulls.

The Rebels will train three days in a row in the lead-up to Friday’s must-win clash.

“It’s about getting real intensity in our preparation and not dragging the week out,” Ryan said.

“It’s about being very honest and thorough, about being very clear, and targeting a few things in our game to work on.”

Former captain Adam Coleman (shoulder) could also miss another week.

Originally published as Melbourne Rebels won’t rush star hooker Jordan Uelese back despite three consecutive defeats