Incumbent Rebels fly-half Bryce Hegarty believs the rawness and youth of the squad will be a winning factor for the side in the coming season, as they can provide a "spark" based on enthusiasm of players untouched by the off-field disappointments of last season.

Equally Hegarty believes the side has to start closing out the close games if they are to end the season with more wins than loses' after a tough pre-season, he believes the inexperienced side can start performing.

"Those tight games where we've been losing by two or three points can't happen anymore," Hegarty told ESPNscrum. "We've been very strategic with our pre-season and how we're training. It's been the hardest pre-season I've ever done, and I know all the boys are in the same boat.

"It comes down to if we win those five or six games that we lose by three points, we win nine or 10 games and we're in the finals. We're a team obviously with experience and youth, and I think with the rawness we have as well, I think, creates that little bit of a spark and an advantage for us."

Praising Luke Burgess for his talent and great mind, Hegarty said the scrum-half was always in his ear helping with movements and patterns during training. After a strong 2013, Hegarty is keen to start the season well in the trial match against New South Wales Waratahs.

"I'm really keen for this year and I'm really keen for this trial game against the Waratahs to come," he told ESPNscrum. "Obviously I got a few games in towards the end of last year and hopefully I can keep that form into this year and create my own legacy here, and be a part of this Rebels foundation that's been going so well.

"We've got a team full of youth but we've also got some experience so I think we've got the perfect mix for a successful club."