UPDATE: Newly-signed Western Force hooker Heath Tessmann could find himself facing the club that let him go in the 2013 Super Rugby season-opener next month.

Tessmann, who joined the Force’s wider training group after being released by the Melbourne Rebels, has signed a short-term contract as cover for Ben Whittaker, who is recovering from a broken left foot.

Tessmann played 10 Super matches for the Rebels in the 2011 and 2012 seasons and while Nathan Charles will start in the No.2 jumper, the 28-year-old could find himself on the reserves bench on February 15 at AAMI Park.

Tessmann spent two years at the Queensland Reds academy before moving to Melbourne. He played in their inaugural game and was looking for opportunities in France when he got the call from Force coach Michael Foley.

“I was lucky that Foles got in touch,” Tessmann said. “He watched me play in the Shute Shield competition (for Easts) as well as the Rebels.

“It would be nice to get back to Melbourne for that game. I have been copping a bit from the boys already. I’d like to be in the 22 for that match. That’s what I’m pushing for. I haven’t just come here to hold a bag.”

Tessmann is a member of the nine-man wider training group.

Three are from the Shute Shield competition: Norths winger Corey Brown and second–rowers Ben Matwijow (Norths) and Adam Coleman (Parramatta). The others are locals — Luke Burton and Corey Thomas (UWA), Ryan Louwrens and Ollie Hoskins (Cottesloe), and Brad Lacey (Wests).