RUGBY hitman Sireli Naqelevuki is poised for a sevens comeback having made the 12-member squad for the Uluinakau team for the 2016 Coral Coast 7s.
The inclusion allows the former Fiji 7s representative to be monitored by national selectors for a possible inclusion in the national sevens squad.
Former national coach Joe Savou said Naqelevuki had what it took to make it to the national team if given the chance.
“I have known Sireli for quite a long time and on the field he is very dedicated. Discipline wise he listens to instructions and he has the vision required when on the field. I haven’t seen him play recently but given the chance he can prove himself, he can produce what the national coaches require of him, he can get back into shape,” he said.
The former Exeter Chiefs and Stormers player showed a trim form while training with the team on Saturday at Kauvesi Park in Raiwai.
Uluinakau coach Epi Kolinivala says the 35-year-old Narikoso, Ono, Kadavu native has shown commitment in his training with the squad and will make a difference during crunch time in the tournament.
“He still has all the skills and strength that he had before. He has lost some weight after one month of solid training with the boys,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to a good display from him.”
The team was named on Saturday following a training session with hooker Waisale Koroi to be named as captain.
“Overall, we have a young team with many U20 boys. We only have two players from the team that won the plate final last year,” Kolinivala said.
“Most of the teams are well prepared. We have a history with most of the teams. We know how to play them. It will depend on who makes less mistakes.”
He said it was a difficult task to select the final 12.
“The players that have missed out need to keep training. They need to maintain their fitness because we have major tournaments coming up.”
Uluinakau squad: Waisale Koroi, Sireli Naqelevuki, Manueli Ratuniyarawa, Suliasi Tavodi, Asivorosi Turaga, Esala Savuro, Maikeli Waqa, Simeli Namua, Setareki Buitinayawa, Josua Goneduadua, Simione Sema, Tomasi Bulai.
