Chiefs 2017
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johan has gone to japan
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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.
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@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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@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) -
Messam and TNW are confirmed.
http://www.chiefs.co.nz/news/news/latest-news/266-two-of-the-chiefs-favourite-sons-returning-home
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@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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@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. -
With Seta Tamanivalu having left for the Crusaders, Andrew Horrell having gone to Japan and not confirmed to be returning, and Charlie Ngatai still under a cloud due to concussion, the midfield looms as a spot for Nanai-Williams, but his versatility will be a real asset for Rennie.
"Tim's a top man who brings experience and leadership," Rennie said. "His speed and outstanding skill set gives him the flexibility to play anywhere in the backline, a huge asset in such a demanding campaign
