HE already kicks like a mule and a move to the AFL-crazed Melbourne may only further develop the Rebels newest signing. Meet Reece Hodge, who can slot goals from beyond 70 metres.

Hodge, 20, was among the standouts for Manly in Sydney’s Shute Shield competition this season and will add versatility to the Rebels’ back line where he can fill several positions and kick for goal.

But it was a kick the youngster posted to his personal Instagram account earlier this year, of himself slotting a conversion from beyond 70 metres, that left many gobsmacked and made him a viral sensation.

“I’m really grateful for the opportunity to move to Melbourne, and hopefully I’ll be able to repay that faith and continue to enjoy my footy at the same time,” Hodge told the Rebels website.

“I’m looking forward to what the next two years holds.

Hodge, a former Australian Schoolboys and Australian U20s representative, will have plenty of competition as he tries to break into a rapidly-improving Rebels line-up next season.

“I’m confident in my goal kicking ability if I was called upon, but there’s already some strong goal kickers down there,” Hodge said.

That kicking will no doubt be an asset Rebels’ coach Tony McGahan will look to draw on as the youngster tries to win a place in his starting line-up.

“He (Hodge) will add to the midfield depth that we have already,” McGahan said.

“His form in the Shute Shield has been excellent, and his improvement in a full-time program will only enhance his goal of being a Super Rugby player at the Rebels.”

Hodge’s signing comes hot on the heels of the announcements of experienced signings Jamie Hagan, James Hanson, Culum Retallick, Siliva Siliva and Adam Thomson for next season, and he will slot into a squad that already features a number of high quality young players beginning to make their mark at Super Rugby level.