Rebels fullback Reece Hodge admits his performance has failed to meet his lofty standards, hungry to rectify this against the Waratahs.
The Rebels head into Saturday's clash at the SCG winless, sitting 11th on the ladder after the opening month of the new competition.
Injuries have played their part in the sluggish start to the season, however, Rebels coach Kevin Foote used his post-match press conference following the Brumbies defeat to call for more from his senior players after the 36-17 defeat.
This includes the Wallabies fullback, who conceded whilst he believed they were starting to show improvements, it still remains well below standards.
“I was pretty disappointed with how the season started both for the team and myself,” Hodge told reporters.
“The first couple of games I definitely wasn’t where I needed to be. I felt like on the weekend, I started to make some shifts in the right direction but in terms of our senior players setting the example, I think we all need to lift at the moment, myself included.
“It’s not good enough to just work hard during the week and not perform on the weekend.
“It hasn’t been up to the standards I set for myself, I’m probably my harshest critic and for me, I just really want to put in the good performances and be consistent for the rest of the year."
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Hodge and the Rebels were taking confidence after an improved attacking showing against the Brumbies, having scored just eight points in their first two games.
However, the defence, which has leaked just under 30 points per game, remains a significant area of improvement as they look to turn around their season.
"Obviously the boys are very disappointed with our start to the year," Hodge said.
"We're under no illusions that hard work is one of the most important things that's going to get us out of it and everyone is on the same page.
"Hopefully we can get a good result this week against the Tahs."
REBELS (1-15): Cameron Orr, Jordan Uelese, Cabous Eloff, Matt Philip, Josh Canham, Michael Wells (c), Richard Hardwick, Tamati Ioane, Joe Powell, Matt To'omua, Glen Vaihu, Ray Nu'u, Young Tonumaipea, Andrew Kellaway, Reece Hodge
RESERVES: Efi Ma'afu, Matt Gibbon, Rhys Van Nek, Sam Wallis, Brad Wilkin, James Tuttle, Carter Gordon, Stacey Ili
