Scott Higginbotham makes Rebels return after Wallabies injury New Melbourne Rebels signing Scott Higginbotham chats to Fox Sports about life in Melbourne and playing against his former Queensland Reds' team-mates. Melbourne Rebels' star recruit Scott Higginbotham was not risked in the team's trial games after a shoulder injury in December but is set to start in their season opener against Western Force. Picture: Jay Town Source: Herald Sun Scott Higginbotham of Australia scores a try during the 2012 Rugby Union Test match between Australia and Wales played at Suncorp Stadium. Picture: Darren England Source: The Daily Telegraph AUSTRALIAN flanker Scott Higginbotham is set to start for the Melbourne Rebels against the Western Force in Friday's season-opening Super Rugby clash despite not playing since December. The powerful back rower hurt his shoulder in the final game of the Wallabies European tour against Wales three months ago and was not risked in Rebels' trials against NSW and the Hurricanes. But the 2012 player of the year runner-up moved strongly at training yesterday at No 6, suggesting he will debut for Melbourne on Friday. At 195cm and 110kg, Higginbotham brings an intimidatory presence and athleticism to an impressive Rebels' back row. A veteran of 23 Tests for Australia, along with 63 Super Rugby appearances for Queensland, Higginbotham has worked tenaciously to regain full fitness. His availability is doubly important given the strength of the Force's back row, headed by Ben McCalman, Richard Brown and Matt Hodgson. If Higginbotham starts at blindside, he is likely to be partnered by impressive newcomer Scott Fuglistaller at openside with club captain Gareth Delve at No 8. Jarrod Saffy, returning from a neck injury, has also made a strong impact in the trials and will probably come off the bench as support to Fuglistaller and Higginbotham. While Melbourne's front row is largely settled with Nic Henderson, Ged Robinson and Laurie Weeks expected to earn starting roles, there is less clarity around the locks. Coach Damien Hill has rotated Hugh Pyle, Luke Jones and Wallaby tourist Cadeyrn Neville through the second row. Jones was inspirational against the Canes at Geelong on Saturday, while Pyle has been one of the club's most consistent performers over the past two years. Pyle is also the nominated calling lock, but faces fierce opposition from Neville. Based on trial form, Neville - destined for full Wallaby honours - could start on the bench. Melbourne will be without wingers Cooper Vuna and Kimami Situati and fullback Jason Woodward for Friday's match. The Rebels have won three of four matches against the Force, including 30-29 and 32-31 cliffhangers last season. The rivalry was just as tight in 2011 with Melbourne winning 26-25 in Perth before losing 24-27 at AAMI Park.