Chiefs 2026
-
Suspect that the Chiefs were leaving a spot open for Mathis for quite a while, because they've not added to their loose forward stocks for 2026 and instead have both Taine Kolose and Tyrone Thompson on full time contracts.
Hearing no major shocks in the squad otherwise.
-
@Bovidae said in Chiefs 2026:
@Mr-Fish Thompson AND Kolose doesn't make any sense. Two locks to be replaced but I'd argue that you don't need six in a squad.
Especially when neither Taukei'aho nor McAlister are necessarily long in the tooth and on the way out... But maybe they had to pivot when Mathis (or a third fly half) wasn't available.
Two new locks, as expected.
-
@Bovidae said in Chiefs 2026:
@gt12 said in Chiefs 2026:
If he was offered a full spot and turned it down, something is wrong.
He was offered a full contract for 2026-27, so that suggests another loose forward has been signed.
Mathis is still keen to continue playing for Waikato.
I hope he becomes an All Black, but if he was offered that contract, fuck Oli Mathis, play for Canterbury in reserve grade if that’s where you end up.
-
@Mr-Fish said in Chiefs 2026:
@Bovidae said in Chiefs 2026:
@Mr-Fish Thompson AND Kolose doesn't make any sense. Two locks to be replaced but I'd argue that you don't need six in a squad.
Especially when neither Taukei'aho nor McAlister are necessarily long in the tooth and on the way out... But maybe they had to pivot when Mathis (or a third fly half) wasn't available.
Two new locks, as expected.
McAllister only on two year contact? so will be gone by 27
-
Interesting player, and quite a different one to most. Amazing ball runner - for a flanker - but I can't see him as an international winger. And he's too small right now to have any impact at Super level let alone test level as a loose forward. He needs to get a lot bigger and stronger, and if he does that, does he even keep his pace and agility?
And being amazing as a wide runner is all well and good, but it is a bonus area not a core role for a flanker - so there is a decent chance he never cracks the top level unless the tackling, ruck work and close carries are top notch too. -
All excellent points, but he's also got a variety of skills that are much harder to coach than time spent in the gym.
Quagga Smith is 180cm tall and about 100kgs according to some sources.
Mathis is significantly taller and already about 100kgs. He could be a very useful player if he can be tough enough against the big boys.
-
-
-
@gt12 said in Chiefs 2026:
@frugby said in Chiefs 2026:
Is there any guarantees Thompson is still a hooker? Probably more built like a loose forward having played league?
What’s his height / weight ratio?
Put him at 8.Thompson: 1.69 (186cm, 110kg)
Carl Hayman: 1.61 (193cm, 120kg) -
The Waikato Times
