Thomas, a former Wallaroo who also represented Orange Emus and Forbes Platypi, watched on as her side went down 66-12 in a tough end to a winless season.

The Rebels coach is hopeful her side can apply the lessons they've learned over the upcoming off-season.

"We improved with every game but it's just unfortunate that it's a small block of games then it's done. There's a lot of work over the next 10 months that we have to do to make sure that we keep that momentum going for the next competition," she said.

"From here we go to review, then look at bringing them together more regularly through the year so that they get that development and don't have to start from scratch skill and fitness-wise."

Rebels' slow start proved their undoing with the Waratahs finding three tries inside the opening 10 minutes

A first half intercept try to Tyra Boysen-Auimatagai got the Rebels on the board and brought the score back to 19-7 inside the opening 20 minutes.

Rebels got opportunities throughout the remainder of the opening term to add to their score - in particular during the closing five minutes of the half - and after the siren they picked up their second five-pointer after a great piece of play down the left wing lead to a Tangeta Tupou try.

Errors piled up during a scoreless second half for the Rebels as the Waratahs fared better in the wetter conditions.

Thomas said even making a breakthrough on the board was something the team should be proud of against an imposing Waratahs outfit.

"We came out here with nothing to lose today. The start wasn't great and that's sometimes what happens after the bye," she said.

"Getting two tries on these guys isn't an easy gig so to see them get across the line a couple of times was fantastic. You could see them get a lot of confidence out of that."