Chiefs 2017
-
@Stargazer said in Chiefs 2017:
Has the TNW signing be confirmed? I thought the media were just expecting him to re-sign? Can't find it on Chiefs website.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/85378694
You are correct. The headline of the article says he has re-signed but the first line says it is only 'believed'
I'll leave him in there at the moment though as these rumours are usually true if they have gone so far as to make it to print.
Messam returning is still just a rumour as far as I know.
-
@Crucial said in Chiefs 2017:
Messam returning is still just a rumour as far as I know.
It was always signalled that Messam would return after his stint in Japan so I'd say that is more probable than possible.
As for the 3rd halfback, Pele Cowley was actually in the squad as Pulu's replacement before Hammington. Cowley then got injured himself.
-
-
johan has gone to japan
-
@Cpt-Kumera said in Chiefs 2017:
johan has gone to japan
Is it an 'off-season' thing though? As far as I can tell he is still contracted to the Chiefs.
-
@Crucial said in Chiefs 2017:
@Cpt-Kumera said in Chiefs 2017:
johan has gone to japan
Is it an 'off-season' thing though? As far as I can tell he is still contracted to the Chiefs.
Yes, signed through to 2017.
-
-
@Hooroo said in Chiefs 2017:
Wow! Didn't realise SBW had gone to the Blues
Just hand them the title now I reckon. After that I have it on good authority that SBW is heading to the Canes then the Highlanders to become the only player to grace all five franchises with his presence.
-
-
-
@cgrant said in Chiefs 2017:
They need a third hooker. Faiva is the probable one but I like the young Misa who is an outstanding off the bench option. Reilly (Bay of Plenty) has a good season too.
Given that is is unlikely they will have a big name third hooker I would say the third spot will be a WTG one (and probably one other in the training squad as well). They will probably be looking at potential and succession planning.
These were the players named in the Development squad early in the year
Joseph Royal (BOP)
Epalahame Faiva (W)
Steven Misa (W) -
Messam and TNW are confirmed.
http://www.chiefs.co.nz/news/news/latest-news/266-two-of-the-chiefs-favourite-sons-returning-home
-
-
@Bovidae That's indeed good news! The media release doesn't say for how long TNW has re-committed to the Chiefs, but Messam has signed for two years. In the past, if I remember it correctly, NZR was not prepared to re-sign NZ players if they - again - wanted stints overseas (particularly Japan) during the SR off-season. I'm thinking of Tamati Ellison. If that's correct, then it's likely he'll play for Waikato again? That's assuming he'll probably not get an AB call-up (except in case of many injuries).
-
@Unco I'd say Messam is back for good so would be available for Waikato too. A loose forward combo of Messam, Cane and Leitch will be handy with Sanders, Seu, Bardoul, Karpik, Boshier as backups.
For TNW, the only starting position available to him would be right wing fighting with Pulu. He could be used as a third option in the midfield in a match-day 23.
My starting backline would be: TKB-Cruden-Lowe-Ngatai-ALB-TNW/Pulu-DMac.
We'll see who else is in the squad next week.
