The Western Force intend to exploit the versatility of new recruit Dave Harvey after his starring performance in his Super Rugby debut.

Although named at fullback for the Force’s clash with the Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park on Friday night, coach Richard Graham hinted Harvey could make his presence felt in the midfield.

Harvey routinely plays five-eighth for Sydney club Gordon but was at fullback in the Force’s thrilling one-point win NSW and contributed 16 points including a try.

Signed on a four-game deal only days before the Waratahs match to ease their mounting injury toll, Graham liked what he saw of the 29-year-old, who is the nephew of Australian cricket legend Neil Harvey.

“I thought Dave’s first performance in Super Rugby was solid and as we learn more about him we’ll use him a lot more in the front line as opposed to playing 15,” Graham said when naming the side to face the Rebels.

The coach rewarded his players for their gutsy win over NSW, making only minor changes.

Dynamic winger Nick Cummins returns to the starting line-up in place of Samu Wara, while lock Toby Lynn is on to the bench.

Kieran Longbottom is in the starting side with Graham opting to rotate his props given his side’s huge travel demands, with Pek Cowan taking a turn in the reserves.

“I think the performance of our front row has been wonderful and they’ve given the side real impetus at the set piece as well as around the ground,” Graham said.

“We’ve been able to rotate our front-row forwards in terms of starting on the ground or on the bench which has assisted in the management of those guys.”

The Perth-based side didn’t fly home after the Sydney game and arrived in Melbourne on Tuesday night.

Graham said he was wary of their opponents, who have come achingly close in their last two games to cracking a win.

“The Rebels are a good side who have been fighting to get results and haven’t been far away from closing out games,” he said.

“Clearly at home they’ll be looking to start strongly to assist in getting a result.”

The Rebels will name their lineup on Thursday.