Bringing down a rampaging ball-runner like Pone Fa'amausili seems like any defender's worst nightmare.

That's just the challenge facing the Queensland Reds in their Super Rugby AU clash with the Melbourne Rebels at Lang Park in Brisbane on Friday night.

And Rebels captain Matt To'omua can't help but grin at the thought of it.

Melbourne's first game of the season doubles as their first match played as part of Rugby Australia's new broadcast deal with streaming service Stan Sport.

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Fa'amausili has been touted as one of the Rebels' players to watch by To'omua as the club sets its sights on backing up last year's maiden finals appearance.

"There's a few young fellas out there, we've got a lot of young guys who might not get their go early in the season," To'omua said.

"You've also got exciting guys like local products in Pone Fa'amausili and Trevor Hosea. If you were watching Super Rugby on Fox last year you might have an idea.

"But on free-to-air I think people will get pretty excited seeing Pone sprint the ball back with a 20-metre run up right into a big collision. That will be super exciting for the general public.

"It was kind of nice actually watching rugby on the weekend, it was a little bit of a symbolic moment for Australian rugby on free-to-air again.

"To be a part of the party and not just watch it from afar will be very good."

The Rebels will be kept out of their home state for another fortnight but they will carry an iconic reminder of their roots on their away jerseys this season.

The club has unveiled an away strip with a big V and the Melbourne logo on the front as a nod to a partnership with the Victorian government.

To'omua admits being kept out of Victoria has been a tough assignment as Rugby Australia looks to avoid border restrictions having an impact on the competition.

But the Rebels are relishing the chance to make a statement on the field come Friday night.

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