VIDEO: Double boost for Rebels
Genia is et to line up for the first time in Rebels colours after a back injury sidelined him from the two pre-season trial matches and the Brisbane Global Rugby Tens.
Meanwhile, Coleman, who will lead the Rebels for the first time at a Super Rugby level, made an early exit from Thursday's trial against with a knock but has recovered to return to full training this week.
"He's developed into a real leader for us," Rebels head coach Dave Wessels told melbournerebels.com
"His presence on the field makes a difference, but it's more than that, right now his preparation off the field and what he's doing in terms of his research of the opposition, his line out reviews and previews.
"All the areas of the game that he manages has been world class and that's a real credit to him.
"We want to be strong in that area because that's going to be a hotly contested area in the first couple of rounds."
Wessels said that he's got no concerns about a lack of pre-season game time for Genia.
"We try to train with intensity because if we can train as much as game-like, we get to see those combinations," Wessels said.
"Fortunately, some of those guys who haven't played, guys like Will Genia, are very experienced.
"We know that when it's go time he’ll be right to go so It doesn’t bother me at all."
The Rebels will be without winger Marika Koroibete after the flyer failed to overcome a knee injury but Wessels hopes to have his speedster back soon.
"One guys that isn't available is Marika, he got a slight knee bump and he’ll definitely miss this game and maybe one more, we're not sure."
Wessels will finalise his team for the opening round of the season against the Reds on Wednesday.
The Melbourne Rebels will kick-off their 2018 Super Rugby campaign at home against the Queensland Reds at AAMI Park on Friday, February 23.
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