Chiefs 2026

[Yeetyaah]

@Bovidae add Liam Squire to that as well, stones in glass houses from everyone.

[Bovidae]

GALLAGHER CHIEFS WIDER TRAINING GROUP 2026
AJ Alatimu, Counties Manukau
Cam Church, Counties Manukau
Cohen Brady-Leatham, Counties Manukau
Daniel Sinkinson, Waikato
Dylan Eti, Waikato
Jai Knight, Bay of Plenty
Josiah (JJ) Pokai, Taranaki
Keran Van Staden, Counties Manukau
Michael Loft, Taranaki
Reon Paul, Bay of Plenty
Tamiro Armstrong, Bay of Plenty
Will Martin, Waikato

[Bovidae]

The NDC players are:

Dane Johnston (Taranaki)
Charlie Sinton (BOP)
David Lewai (Waikato)

Very surprised that Jack Wiseman isn't one of these.

[ARHS]

Happy with that lot, but expected Wiseman in somewhere

[Bovidae]

Taranaki SM is saying that Wiseman is an AB replacement training player.

[cliff]

Happy to see reon paul there, showed alot of impact off the bench for bay of plenty

[Tim]

Gibbes said contracting four hookers was a decision based around losing loose forward Malachi Wrampling (Blues) and instead opting to strengthen an important specialist position.

https://www.thepost.co.nz/sport/360876067/why-chiefs-shut-down-josh-jacombs-request-join-highlanders-2026-super-rugby-pacific

[Bovidae]

That still seems like a strange selection decision. I would have strengthened the wingers as Hutchinson will be returning from an ACL, and Coombes-Fabling had knee/hamstring injuries this year too. I expect that Sinkinson will play a lot in the pre-season.

[gt12]

@Bovidae said in Chiefs 2026:

That still seems like a strange selection decision. I would have strengthened the wingers as Hutchinson will be returning from an ACL, and Coombes-Fabling had knee/hamstring injuries this year too. I expect that Sinkinson will play a lot in the pre-season.

Why not just ship out LCF? Replace him with a young’un and we’d be looking much better.

[Bovidae]

@gt12 said in Chiefs 2026:

Why not just ship out LCF? Replace him with a young’un and we’d be looking much better.

We all expected LCF and TTT to be replaced, but they haven't been. I was hoping the Chiefs would include Frank Vaenuku but he must be happier playing for the AB7s at this stage of his career. A big, quick and physical winger would be a welcome addition.

[Bovidae]

https://chiefs.co.nz/news-item/gallagher-chiefs-return-to-the-bay-for-pre-season-clash/

Another pre-season game the following Fri/Sat?

[Yeetyaah]

@Bovidae geez 3pm in peak summer weather at the beach pack the sunscreen my fellow palagis

[Yeetyaah]

Jarrad Hoeata is the Chiefs forwards coach, he has signed for 3 years.

[Canes4life]

@Yeetyaah said in Chiefs 2026:

Jarrad Hoeata is the Chiefs forwards coach, he has signed for 3 years.

I feel like he’ll bring the same flavour as someone like Richard Watt.

[Bovidae]

I'm not surprised by that appointment. Hoeata has been involved with the U20s and Development teams so has been in the system for a while.

[UpTheHarbs]

Home:

Away:

Training:

[gt12]

Those are so boring compared to the other teams.

[UpTheHarbs]

@gt12 If only they made the ‘97 or ‘98 jersey as the heritage jersey last year…

[Nepia]

@gt12 said in Chiefs 2026:

Those are so boring compared to the other teams.

I've been reading the thread with all the jerseys and thinking how awful they all were and wondering why posters are going ga ga over them. I think the Central Vikings monstrosity would get some love in that thread.

I much prefer these ones.

I guess I'm in the minority.

[Bovidae]

These training jerseys look better.