The Melbourne Rebels have motivation in spades to beat Super Rugby champions Queensland on Friday night, says coach Damien Hill.

The Rebels will be at full strength for their AAMI Park clash, with Wallabies stars James O’Connor and Kurtley Beale back in the line-up.

O’Connor has overcome a hamstring injury and liver damage while Beale, who played in Australia’s narrow third Test win over Wales on Saturday, is also set to play.

Beale was rested from their training session, with Reds halfback Will Genia saying earlier on Monday his Wallabies teammate could miss with a rib injury.

But the Rebels believe Beale will be fit for their final match in Melbourne before two games in South Africa to wrap up the season.

As well as the challenge of matching the reigning champions, the game is skipper Stirling Mortlock’s final one in Australia after announcing his retirement.

Veteran lock Al Campbell (retirement) and fullback Julian Huxley (release) are also playing their last match in Melbourne.

“There’s a lot to play for,” Hill said.

“I don’t think they’ll be searching for motivation in any way, it will be there in spades.”

Beale was a stand-out at five-eighth when O’Connor was sidelined with liver damage and Hill must now choose who will wear the No.10 jumper, lining up against Quade Cooper.

“It’s a really good problem to have,” Hill said.

“Kurtley did so well for us before he went away with the Wallabies and James has got a lot of experience at 10 so we’ve got two good choices there.

“Jimmy Hilgendorf has also stepped up and played well there when he’s come on.

“It’s about finding the right balance for the team.”

Hill said the side was flat in their intra-club match last week, coming near the end of Super Rugby’s three-week hiatus for Test fixtures.

“It brought it to everyone’s attention and the last few training sessions have been upbeat.

“They know what they’re up against; a very good Reds outfit so if their heads aren’t right they’re in for a very tough day at the office.”

While the Reds’ large representative contingent could be tired, Hill said they’d had the advantage of training and playing together.

The Rebels can also celebrate retaining Welsh No.8 Gareth Delve, who was able to get out of agreement with French club Toulon to remain in Melbourne.

“I think next year could be a really big one for the club and I would have hated not to have been part of it,” Delve said.

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