Chiefs 2017
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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 -
The Chiefs have signed Northland fullback Solomon Alaimalo,who can also play wing and centre,he was offered a WTS with the Blues,but has settled on a full contract with the chiefs
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@Steven-Harris they were keen on him prior to the MItre 10 Cup didnt they?
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@taniwharugby I only watched 40 mins of Northland this year (the 1st half vs Waikato) so know nothing about him. He looks similar in stature to Stevenson. What's his background?
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@Steven-Harris I'm trying to keep a list of signings with references. Do you have an (online) source for this news?
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He looked good like a good attacking player for the first few weeks of the NPC. In the Taniwha forum there was plenty of people talking him up at that stage.
Unfortunately his form dropped away for the rest of the season..I'm surprised he has got a full contract. Seems like a guy who was on the edge of non-selection/WTG
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@Bovidae I think he played age group stuff for Canterbury a couple of seasons back as well as 7s for them.
He did start very well this season, but was almost like he lost confidence and didnt back himself to take on the defence or beat a man despite appearing to have very good pace.
Has the raw the ingredients.
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Seems like a strange decision then, especially if Stevenson isn't offered a full contract for 2017. Rennie and co did pick a few surprises this year.
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yeah is somewhat surprising he has a full contract, which looks like it is based on potential, as I understand the Chiefs were looking at him before the Mitre 10 season kicked off.
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@Duluth sorry,no online information,just purely a very good source ,Sean Stephenson has signed with North Harbour for the 2017 Mitre 10 cup season,so it would not surprise me if he has signed with the Blues,also Lolagi Visinia does not have a contract.
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@Steven-Harris Stevenson will still be with the Chiefs for 2017 according to the newspaper article reporting his move back to NH.
