Pre-season bragging rights on the line for Rebels against Brumbies

Melbourne Rebels centre Campbell Magnay believes the side will take plenty of confidence into the Super Rugby season with a good performance against the ACT Brumbies in Thursday's trial at Greenfield Park.

"They were conference winners last year, so if we knock them off in the trial we'll know we're one up on them and it's good going into the season," Magnay said.

"The Brumbies will send a good team and we'll need to compete well.

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"The importance of the trial is probably match fitness. It's our last hit-out before round one, so it's good to set some combinations in and get that sorted before the start (of the season).

"It's a very good chance to bond with teammates on that trip to Albury. It's very important because we play a lot of games away and I think it's good for team cohesion."

Magnay played 17 games at the Queensland Reds and has made nine appearances for the Rebels.