They have until the end of February to earn a spot in the Rebels' squad for the TAC Cup under-18 season.

Rebels regional manager Phil Partington said more than 100 youngsters from across Western Victoria were still in the running to be part of the 45-player list, which would be finalised by March.

About 80 took part in a vital part of the selection process yesterday - a fitness screening and skills session at St Patrick's College in Ballarat.

This included a 20-metre sprint and beep test.

Partington said this was the first time players from each of the Rebels' regional training centres in Warrnambool, Hamilton, Portland and Ballarat had been together this pre-season.

Rebels coach Glenn Wilkinson said all the boys could do was their best.

"Give it your best shot," he told the hopefuls.

"Just work hard. Push when it starts to hurt.

"And enjoy it," he said.

Wilkinson reminded the players that a bad screening day would not mean the end of the road.

He said there were still two to three weeks before full-scale training.

The Rebels also announced a new three-year major sponsorship deal with McDonald's Restaurants.

McDonald's franchises across the region covered by the Rebels have joined forces to provide the backing.

McDonald's Bakery Hill owner Ian Corcoran said the agreement would feature a number of community initiatives.

The Rebels open their season against Murray Bushrangers at Bendigo on Saturday, March 27.