Gold rush for Nasser brothers and sisters during the Olympic Games, the test season is just around the corner

Australian fans may be treated to more than one Nasser in gold this year, as siblings Bella and Josh take the national spotlight.

Now established Australian Women’s Sevens star and aspiring Paris Olympian Bella, 21, is preparing alongside Tim Walsh’s squad for this week’s internal trial tournament featuring Fiji, Japan and Australia A at Ballymore Stadium.

Watch every match of the Australian Olympic Games Sevens, ad-free and on-demand on Stan Sport.

Just 50 meters away on the footpath, Josh, 24, is training under the watchful eye of “Lord” Laurie Fisher and the national staff as part of a Wallabies train-on team following his strong Super Rugby Pacific campaign for Queensland.

During a short break between sessions, Josh and Bella stood together in front of the media as the race for the gold jerseys intensified.

“I’m definitely still pinching myself. Playing for my country has always been a dream of mine, so to be here and play alongside people I’ve looked up to all my life is really cool,” Bella said.

“This is my first full season at Australian Sevens and everyone has welcomed me with open arms.

“We are very excited to go to the Olympic Games after a very good tournament (in Madrid).”

“Winning at a top event like Madrid only builds confidence in us and I think it is something we will really embrace if we go into the Olympics in good form.

“My family are very supportive of me and Josh. They never pressured us to play rugby or do anything we didn’t want to do, so it all fell into place.”

While Bella’s immediate focus is on securing a top spot at the Olympic Games among Australia’s golden girls, Josh will remain in Ballymore as the hooker re-signs with Queensland for another two seasons (until 2026).

Now it’s just head down as ‘Lord’ Laurie and the Wallabies staff look on.

“There’s no place I’d rather be,” Josh told the media on Wednesday.

“It’s been a refreshing change to the coaching staff this year. Obviously over the last few years I’ve had Thorny, who has been great for my development, and then Kissy and the rest of the staff have taken the boys to a whole new level. “

“It’s great to be named in the train-on team – a childhood dream to represent my country.

“This is an opportunity to put my best foot forward to be selected. All I can do is keep training hard and see how it goes.”

In a statement, Reds coach Les Kiss welcomed Josh’s decision to stay at Ballymore.

“It is great news that Josh has decided to re-commit after a very good season,” said Kiss.

“He is an important part of the strong five we continue to build and an important member of the squad in general. He always strives to be the best he can be.”