Chiefs 2019
-
@cgrant said in Chiefs 2019:
What about Atu Moli ? Is he fit again ?
It really does pay to read some of the stuff posted in the thread....
The Chiefs have received good news about other injured players, and will welcome back All Blacks prop Atu Moli and loose forward Mitch Brown. Brown ruptured his ACL in the early stages of last season, while Moli had complications with a quad haematoma he suffered in last year’s season opener.
“I don’t want to curse them, but we’re really positive about having those players available this season,” Matson said.
“They’re key contributors and key to our success so we’re all excited to have them back in. They look like they’ve been training hard so next Monday they’ll join the flock and take the lead in some areas. -
and here's the bit about Hames and Moli for those that didn't spot it on the Blues thread...
"We'll get a lot out of what we saw today. We were good with ball in hand close to the tryline, and not so good on the edge. We're probably fitter than we've been, and the All Blacks came back today to train, so it feels like the squad is coming together."
Matson liked what he saw from some new faces such as Etene Nanai-Seturo and Japan-based Ataata Moeakiola and said it was just good for his players to dip their toes back in the waters of full contact rugby.
"It was really good just to have a training run and not complicate what we got out of it with a game. It was perfect for us. The guys were breathing heavily because it doesn't matter how fit you are, the first game hurts.
"It's been a good day. We tested a couple of the young guys and you can see they'll definitely handle Super Rugby. Etene looks capable, and showed little glimpses of the excitement he brought to sevens, and to see Ataata charging down that sideline was awesome."
Matson confirmed the Chiefs don't expect to see All Blacks loose forward Sam Cane back from his back injury until several months into the season. "He's still miles away. We're still looking at April-May."
But the news was better on props Atu Moli and Kane Hames who have both had long spells out of the game. Moli was close to playing in Friday's hitout and Hames is also due back with the returning All Blacks next week. "We're really positive about having those players available this season," said Matson. -
Roger Randle will be the Chiefs Assistant Backs Coach for the 2019 season.
https://www.chiefs.co.nz/news-item/roger-randle-joins-gallagher-chiefs-coaching-group
-
Reds to play the Chiefs
1 Feao Fotuaika – Souths
2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa – Sunnybank
3 Taniela Tupou – Brothers
4 Harry Hockings – University of Queensland
5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto – Souths
6 Angus Scott-Young – University of Queensland
7 Liam Wright – Easts
8. Scott Higginbotham – Wests
9 Moses Sorovi – Wests
10 Hamish Stewart – Bond University
11 Jordan Petaia – Wests
12 Samu Kerevi – Souths
13 Chris Feauai-Sautia – Souths
14 Sefa Naivalu – TBC
15 Bryce Hegarty – GPSReserves
16 Alex Mafi – Bond University
17 Harry Hoopert – Brothers
18 Ruan Smith – GPS
19 Angus Blyth – Bond University
20 Caleb Timu – Souths
21 Tate McDermott – University of Queensland
22 Duncan Paia’aua – Norths
23 Isaac Lucas – Sunnybank
24 Adam Korczyk – University of Queensland
25 Teti Tela – Souths
26 Jack Hardy – Easts
27 Filipo Daugunu – Wests -
@Stargazer I'm glad Tupaea is involved. Can do without Parete though.
-
Debreczeni could also be an option at fullback early-season, with Solomon Alaimalo - a star last year - with a small wrist fracture and out for four weeks.
-
Could be a bit one sided if the Chiefs carry on from the game against the Blues and the Reds have their Wallabies back?
Will head along for a look tomorrow night.
The heat story above is a bit ott. It’s a bit humid sure, but it has been overcast and showery most of the week. Hardly melting your skin off, in fact it’s been one of the best Dec/Jan heat wise for a long time.
-
Livestream of the preseason game against the Reds:
-
Livestream of the preseason game against the Reds:
@Stargazer Cheers!
-
Livestream of the preseason game against the Reds:
-
@Stargazer what Tim said, cheers! Haha I'm glad this isn't the case though...
