Melbourne don't know if Friday's Super Rugby Pacific clash with the Chiefs will be their last home game, but they intend to play it like this to cement their finals place.
The cash-strapped club's future in the competition remains uncertain beyond 2024 as they await a decision from the Australian Rugby Union.
Rebels winger Lachie Anderson said the team had not talked about the game possibly being their last at Amy Park, but it was still part of the preparation.
Combinations
Super Rugby Pacific
Rebels
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“That's probably the elephant in the room – the uncertainty, we're dealing with things that no other Super Rugby club is dealing with at the moment,” he said.
We've been dealing with this for 13 weeks now and this week is no different.
“You don't suffer from a lack of motivation; we realize that the opportunity to play at home is a huge opportunity for us, and we understand what a win will do for us and the program.
He added: “Everyone wants to know (about the future), but I think the technical staff and players are doing a great job focusing on the future.” Football And may it give us a good rest from external things.
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Last 5 meetings
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The Rebels currently sit sixth on the ladder and need to win their remaining three matches to cement their playoff position.
They have away games against the Brumbies (2nd) and Fijian League (8th) in the future.
They head into a confrontation with fourth-placed Chiefs after three defeats, the last of which was losing a tough battle with Queensland.
The Chiefs have won their last three games and are desperate for another crack at the title after last year's grand final loss to the Crusaders.
Anderson said the team spoke regularly about leaving a legacy as the most successful Rebels team in the club's history.
“It's important – as players we want to write history here, we want to leave a legacy behind and leave the place better than when we started,” said the 26-year-old, who was part of the team's sevens squad. Tokyo Olympics.
“We have the opportunity to play Finals football, which no Rebels team has ever done, so that's our goal.
“We talk about it a lot, it's definitely a goal of ours.”
