Chiefs 2022
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Getting out of Dunedin is probably a good thing
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Tragically, time for an update on a possible squad for next season. This is based on the 2021 squad and what we know publicly about departures and signings via media releases, plus rumoured new signings. Players in italics would be most at risk of not being re-signed. I've also suggested a few likely replacements.
Hookers:
Samisoni Taukei’aho (signed until 2024)
Bradley Slater
Nathan HarrisTyrone ThompsonProps:
Aidan Ross (to 2023)
Ollie Norris
Reuben O’Neill
Angus Ta’avao (to 2021)
Sione Mafileo (to 2022)
Atunaisa Moli (it will be hard to justify continual selection of a player who sadly is always injured)Locks:
Brodie Retallick (to 2023)
Tupou Vaa’i (to 2023)
Naitoa Ah Kuoi (to 2023)
Josh Lord
Laghlan McWhannell (I would keep him because depth is important, as the Chiefs will know)Loose Forwards:
Sam Cane
Luke Jacobson
Pita Gus Sowakula (to 2023)
Samipeni Finau (to 2024)
Kaylum Boshier
Lachlan BoshierTom Florence
Mitchell Brown
Mitchell Karpik
Simon Parker (one of these two could be retained, but unlikely both)Halfbacks:
Brad Weber (to 2023)
Xavier Roe (to 2022)
Te Toiroa TahuriorangiCortez RatimaFirst five-eighths:
Bryn Gatland (to 2023)
Rivez ReihanaJosh Ioane (2022 only)
Kaleb TraskMidfielders:
Anton Lienert-Brown (to 2023)
Quinn Tupaea (to 2023)
Alex Nankivell
Bailyn SullivanTei WaldenOutside backs:
Jonah Lowe
Damian McKenzieEmoni Narawa
Etene Nanai-Seturo (to 2022)
Shaun Stevenson (to 2023)
Chase Tiatia (to 2022)
Sean WainuiGideon WramplingThat would be 38 players.
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@bovidae do you think that Wrampling will continue as an outside back? He looks like his future is as a midfield unit.
Not saying that the Chiefs won't want him in the squad but maybe as a midfield/outside cover (direct replacement for Wainui like you have listed).
Question then is whether Walden is required? He isn't confirmed is he?
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@bovidae ugh man this feels shit.
Tucker would also be decent to have on the books as a lock for depth. McWhannell has played well so I'd hope the Chiefs throw him a bone. I have a gut feeling that Ratima won't be signed for some reason. Walden already had a rumour around him signing with the Chiefs before his injury last year.
Wrampling would be a good bet.Also wouldn't mind Dawai as a squaddie as he has some size and pace, which the Chiefs have lacked on the outside for a bit.
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for those who haven't watched Otago recently, Ioane looking much more like his old self. if he can carry on like this he could be in fr another breakout season next year
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@crucial None of my potential replacements are officially confirmed, but Thompson has been unofficially confirmed, as have both Walden and Narawa.
Wrampling is a midfielder. He is more suited to centre but does have the size and speed to be an option on the wing in a squad at his young age (20).
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@yeetyaah said in Chiefs 2022:
Also wouldn't mind Dawai as a squaddie as he has some size and pace, which the Chiefs have lacked on the outside for a bit.
They will still select another group for the WTG so Dawai could be part of that. He is still very raw but has something to work with.
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@yeetyaah said in Chiefs 2022:
@bovidae said in Chiefs 2022:
@crucial as have both Walden and Narawa.
Have they? When and where?
Earlier in this thread for Narawa. I'm relying on your sauce for Walden.
Maybe they go for another younger player, I don't know. -
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@bovidae said in Chiefs 2022:
Tragically, time for an update on a possible squad for next season. This is based on the 2021 squad and what we know publicly about departures and signings via media releases, plus rumoured new signings. Players in italics would be most at risk of not being re-signed. I've also suggested a few likely replacements.
Hookers:
Samisoni Taukei’aho (signed until 2024)
Bradley Slater
Nathan HarrisTyrone ThompsonProps:
Aidan Ross (to 2023)
Ollie Norris
Reuben O’Neill
Angus Ta’avao (to 2021)
Sione Mafileo (to 2022)
Atunaisa Moli (it will be hard to justify continual selection of a player who sadly is always injured)Locks:
Brodie Retallick (to 2023)
Tupou Vaa’i (to 2023)
Naitoa Ah Kuoi (to 2023)
Josh Lord
Laghlan McWhannell (I would keep him because depth is important, as the Chiefs will know)Loose Forwards:
Sam Cane
Luke Jacobson
Pita Gus Sowakula (to 2023)
Samipeni Finau (to 2024)
Kaylum Boshier
Lachlan BoshierTom Florence
Mitchell Brown
Mitchell Karpik
Simon Parker (one of these two could be retained, but unlikely both)Halfbacks:
Brad Weber (to 2023)
Xavier Roe (to 2022)
Te Toiroa TahuriorangiCortez RatimaFirst five-eighths:
Bryn Gatland (to 2023)
Rivez ReihanaJosh Ioane (2022 only)
Kaleb TraskMidfielders:
Anton Lienert-Brown (to 2023)
Quinn Tupaea (to 2023)
Alex Nankivell
Bailyn SullivanTei WaldenOutside backs:
Jonah Lowe
Damian McKenzieEmoni Narawa
Etene Nanai-Seturo (to 2022)
Shaun Stevenson (to 2023)
Chase Tiatia (to 2022)
Sean WainuiGideon WramplingThat would be 38 players.
You don't think you will retain Rameka Poihipi ?,Hopefully if the Chiefs let him go the Crusaders will pick him up instead of Mcleod or Punivai.
Rameka Poihipi has been very good for Canterbury this season one of the few backs who have been decent. -
@chris said in Chiefs 2022:
You don't think you will retain Rameka Poihipi ?,
Poihipi was the last player added to the squad, and that was late. I'm assuming he was only given a 1 yr contract but maybe McMillan retains him. He would be no more than a squadie so I would select from within.
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There would only be 8 loose forwards in the squad I posted. Cane, Jacobson, PGS, Finau and 4 others. Brown will likely be the 5th but I don't see him as a starter.
K Boshier might be better used as a 7 as he isn't the biggest no.8 around, but is more physical and robust than Karpik. Florence can play 6 and 7, and has a high workrate. Both Boshier and Florence can back up Cane. Then it comes down to the last loose forward (Karpik/Parker/A. N. Other). Parker has the size and potential to be a really good no.8. He needs to get over his injuries though.
So selecting another winger means one less lock (no McWhannell) or only 3 specialist midfielders. Both seem risky options.
