OSEA Kolinisau is set to make his return in the Digicel Fiji sevens team after being named in the 16-member extended squad for the opening leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series in Gold Coast, Australia.
Kolinisau, who missed most of the series last season due to injury, is one of the front runners to make the 12-member squad for the Gold Coast 7s from October 13 to 14.
If included, the ginger-haired player is also a top contender for the skipper’s role.
Fiji 7s head coach Alivereti Dere also retained Ilai Tinai, Levani Botia, Timoci Vakadranu and Joji Ragamate from the 2011/12 IRB series.
Sailosi Rabonaqica and Samuela Saqiwa are the former national 7s players, who have been recalled to join the national team.
Newcomers Apisai Domolailai, Samisoni Viriviri, Leone Tabuarua, Aisake Druma, Manueli Laqai, Joshua Tuiova, Ulaiasi Lawavou, Alipate Ratini and Apisalome Waqatabu are set to make their debut in the international 7s circuit after being included in the squad.
Coach Dere said they had almost finished the preparation for the Gold Coast 7s.
“The side has been preparing well, and apart from a few niggling injuries, the boys are fit enough for Australia,” he said in a statement.
“I have been working on the boys’ fitness, mentally and physically because all the teams will be out there to beat us.
“The first leg is always the toughest because teams begin strong, fast and fit.”
Dere is expected to name the final 12-member team next week.
Defending champions Fiji is the second seeded team in the Gold Coast 7s behind New Zealand and is pooled alongside Australia, Scotland and Tonga.
16-member squad - Apisai Domolailai, Lepani Botia, Ulaiasi Lawavou, Timoci Vakadranu, Samu Saqiwa, Sailosi Rabonaqica, Manueli Laqai, Joji Ragamate, Samisoni Viriviri, Osea Kolinisau, Leone Tabuarua, Ilai Tinai, Alipate Ratini, Apisalome Waqatabu, Aisake Druma, Joshua Tuiova