UPDATE: Lily Dick (finger) has been ruled out, Faythe Manera into the squad
Men's Sevens captain Nick Malouf is set to give the side a significant boost as he prepares to return from injury.
It is a welcome return ahead of this weekend's event in Hong Kong as both Australian sides look to make their mark at the prestigious event.
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Malouf last featured for the Sevens in Dubai in December, suffering an ankle injury that has kept him out for the start of 2023.
"After missing out on five tournaments and coming back from a significant injury, I'm super excited to get back out there," said Malouf in a statement.
"The team has some fond memories in Hong Kong - we can't wait to get back and recreate some of the success we had last time.
"Even though we're missing James 'the Jet' Turner - who's still on the mend - we'll be looking to accrue as many points as possible this weekend and continue on our path to Olympic qualification."
Malouf is joined in the squad by Max Burey, who has spent time training with the Western Force.
They open their campaign on March 31 against Japan (10:35 pm AEDT) before facing Spain (4:04 pm) and the USA (8:25 pm) on April 1.
Head coach John Manenti is eyeing a second title in Hong Kong after November's heroics, likely the first - and only - time a team will have the chance to win back-to-back titles at the event in the same World Series.
"It's great to be back in Hong Kong, where we have some wonderful memories from our most recent visit," Manenti said.
"We come here on the back of some good momentum from the last double headers and look forward to keeping that rolling.
"A few boys had breakout tournaments in Los Angeles and I'd like to see them be consistent now around their performance.
"Hong Kong is the home of Sevens and it's a special place to play - we want to go deep into the tournament."
As for the Women, they head to Hong Kong for the first time in World Series history, taking a settled line-up into the event.
Demi Hayes (back) is set to miss the final two events whilst Sharni Williams will likely come back into selection for the final event in Toulouse.
“Demi’s got a back (problem), that’s the end of her season,” Walsh told Rugby.com.au
“We’ve got to de-load her back and get her ready for next season.”
“Sharni had a huge year (in 2022) with the Wallaroos so she was always planning to have these tournaments off
“She was back at training Thursday and not eligible for selection. Sharni’s Sharni, she’ll probably come back fitter but she’s ready to go Thursday and we’ll aim for Toulouse.”
This leaves Charlotte Caslick to once again captain the side, with Madison Ashby serving as her deputy.
They will begin their Hong Kong account against Brazil (4:28 pm AEDT) and Ireland (8:28 pm) on the opening day before taking on Fiji (12:55 pm) to conclude their pool stage matches.
"The squad and I are so excited to be playing in Hong Kong for the first time," said Caslick, four away from bringing up 150 World Series tries.
"Every leg of the World Series presents its own challenges in terms of climate and considerations, and our team has made sure that our preparations have taken that into consideration.
"Having watched the Men's team enjoy their recent success in Hong Kong, we're hopeful it will be a good omen for our own tournament this weekend."
The matches will be broadcasted live and on-demand via BeIN Sports and Kayo Sports
Men's
Dietrich Roache
Tim Clements
Henry Paterson
Josh Turner
Dally Bird
Matt Gonzalez
Nick Malouf (C)
Maurice Longbottom
Nathan Lawson
Ben Marr
Darby Lancaster
Max Burey
Hayden Sargeant
Women's
Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea
Maddison Levi
Faith Nathan
Bienne Terita
Isabella Nasser
Charlotte Caslick (C)
Tia Hinds
Sariah Paki
Teagan Levi
Madison Ashby
Dominique Du Toit
Faythe Manera
*All times AEDT
Friday, March 31
Australia Men v Japan Men, 10:35 pm
Australia Men v Spain Men, 4:04 pm
Saturday, April 1
Australia Men v USA Men, 8:25 pm
Friday, March 31
Australia Women v Brazil Women, 4:28 pm
Australia Women v Ireland Women, 8:28 pm
Saturday, April 1
Australia Women v Fiji Women, 12:55 pm
