Mortlock blow for Rebels

Melbourne Rebels centre Stirling Mortlock has been ruled out of the opening game of the new season against the Waratahs.

Calf injury sidelines former Australia skipper

Former Australia captain Stirling Mortlock has been ruled out of Melbourne Rebels' opening game of the new Super Rugby season against the Waratahs. Mortlock will miss Friday's encounter at AAMI Park with a calf strain - with the powerful centre having been able to train fully since aggravating the problem a month ago. First-choice hooker Ged Robinson is also missing with a calf issue, however Kurtley Beale and Adam Freier are expected to be fit. Australia full-back Beale, one of Melbourne's big off-season signings, had been sidelined with a hamstring injury.