  We report the results of experimental investigations on structural, magnetic,
resistivity, caloric properties of Fe$_2$RhZ (Z=Si,Ge) along with
\textit{ab-initio} band structure calculations using first principle
simulations. Both these alloys are found to crystallize in inverse Heusler
structure but with disorder in tetrahedral sites between Fe and Rh. Fe$_2$RhSi
has saturation moment of 5.00 $\mu_B$ and while its counterpart has 5.19
$\mu_B$. Resistivity measurement reveals metallic nature in both of them.
Theoretical simulations using generalized gradient approximation(GGA) predict
inverse Heusler structure with ferromagnetic ordering as ground state for both
the alloys. However it underestimates the experimentally observed moments.
GGA+$U$ approach, with Hubbard $U$ values estimated from density functional
perturbation theory helps to improve the comparison of the experimental
results. Fe$_2$RhSi is found to be half metallic ferromagnet while Fe$_2$RhGe
is not. Varying $U$ values on Fe and Rh sites does not change the net moment
much in Fe$_2$RhSi, unlike in Fe$_2$RhGe. Relatively small exchange splitting
of orbitals in Fe$_2$RhGe compared to that of Fe$_2$RhSi is the reason for not
opening the band gap in the minority spin channel in the former. High ordering
temperature and moment make Fe$_2$RhSi useful for spintronics applications.
