Chiefs 2017
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@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.
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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.
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@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.
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@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.
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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.
@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) -
Probably time to start up the squad threads as signing news starts filtering in...
I have taken the Wiki list as a starter. Please add info as it comes to hand
PROPS
Gone:
Pauliasi Manu (to Blues)
Confirmed:
Kane Hames
Nepo Laulala
Atunaisa Moli
2016 others
Siegfried Fisiihoi (wider training group)
Mitchell Graham
Siate Tokolahi
Hiroshi YamashitaHOOKERS
Gone:
Rhys Marshall (to Ireland Munster)
Confirmed:
Hika Elliot
Nathan HarrisLOCK
Confirmed:
Michael Allardice
Dominic Bird
Brodie Retallick
2016 Others
James Tucker (wider training group)LOOSE FORWARDS
Confirmed
Johan Bardoul
Sam Cane
Mitchell Karpik
2016 Others
Lachlan Boshier
Sam Cane
Sam Henwood
Mitchell Karpik
Tevita Koloamatangi
Liam Messam
Tom Sanders
Taleni SeuN8
Gone
Ma'ama Vaipulu (to France Castres)
Confirmed
none
2016 Others
Mitchell Brown (short-term)
Michael LeitchHALFBACK
Gone
Augustine Pulu (to Blues)
Confirmed
Tawera Kerr-Barlow
Brad Weber
2016 Others
Kayne Hammington (short-term)FIRST FIVE
Gone
None
Confirmed
Aaron Cruden
2016 Others
Stephen DonaldMIDFIELD
Gone
Seta Tamanivalu (to Crusaders)
Substituted off Sonny Bill Williams (to Blues)
Confirmed
Anton Lienert-Brown
Charlie Ngatai
2016 Others
Sam Vaka (wider training group)OUTSIDE BACKS
Gone
Andrew Horrell (to Japan Coca-Cola Red Sparks)
Confirmed
Glen Fisiiahi
James Lowe
Toni Pulu
Tim Nanai-Williams
Damian McKenzie
2016 Others
Shaun Stevenson (wider training group)
Chase Tiatia (did not play)
Latu Vaeno (wider training group)
Sam McNicol -
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).
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Good news. Are they still playing in Japan or will they play in the NPC next year too? Messam's only 15 caps away from 100 Waikato caps, it'd be cool to see him reach it.
Still hoping like hell Rennie keeps TNW away from the midfield.
@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.
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Glad Hames and Harris have re-signed. After having watched the Otago=Harbour final, what about Ruru for third halfback? He may put some pressure on the incumbents..
Also is Ngatai fit? Will his head problems continue? Would love to have him back in midfield, but signs are not great.
Not really seen anything f Joe Tupe here, but if others think he is worth it - hope the Chiefs sign him up.
