Adam Coleman, the club debutant raised on the game out of Glenorchy, was a shock appointment when coach Dave Wessels named the Wallabies regular the new Melbourne Rebels captain.

Less about the 26-year-old’s unquestioned ability, but where he came from. Less about Tasmania, more about the Western Force.

“Dave came to me a couple of months ago and asked would I like to lead the side out and spent some time thinking about it,” Coleman said. “I think I’m really excited for the responsibility.”

Players have come from the struggling Rebels and the now defunct Perth-based Force in an unofficial merger.

The 48-Test lock played down his role in Australian Rugby Union’s castaways.

“It’s a credit to the boys how they have all come together and how seamlessly the transition period has happened,” Coleman said. 

“It’s also a real credit to the boys of who they are as a person and not only as a player.”

Coleman is not only bringing together two cities nearly 3000kms apart, but acting as his home state’s figurehead.

That makes more sense since the Rebels signed a new partnership with Rugby Tasmania last week to develop and foster the state’s game.

But it will be a pedigree of a different kind that will remain with Coleman for the Rebels’ home opener against Queensland Reds.

Among the long line of the uncles and cousins to play Test rugby that includes former Wallaby prop Rodney Blake, Coleman paid tribute to his father, Tongan national captain Pau’u Afeaki.

“Looking up knowing my old man played for Tonga was an inspiration growing up,” he said, “and it probably put me to where I am today.”