The Gallagher Chiefs have named a powerful 23-man squad for this weekend’s Easter clash against the Highlanders at FMG Stadium Waikato, with a blend of experience and explosive talent ready to ignite in front of the loyal Chiefs whānau.
Captain Luke Jacobson will lead the side from the back of the scrum, supported by the dynamic loose forward pairing of Samipeni Finau and Jahrome Brown. Aidan Ross, Brodie McAlister and George Dyer combine in a strong front row, with Naitoa Ah Kuoi and Tupou Vaa’i locking down the second row.
Damian McKenzie returns to the number 10 jersey allowing Shaun Stevenson to slot in at fullback, adding strike power from the back. The remaining back three will be made up of Leroy Carter and Emoni Narawa offering plenty of pace, flair and finishing ability.
Fans will be excited to see the return of Anton Lienert-Brown who has been named on the bench following injury. His inclusion adds further strength and experience to an already exciting matchday 23.
In a continuing theme this season, the bench is full of heavy hitters including Samisoni Taukei’aho, Jared Proffit and Reuben O’Neill in the front row, with Jimmy Tupou and Kaylum Boshier covering the loose forwards. Cortez Ratima and Josh Jacomb round out the backs alongside Lienert-Brown.
Head Coach Clayton McMillan says “the squad is focused and fired up for a physical contest.”
“The Highlanders are a tough, well drilled side who fight for everything and each other. They will have taken confidence out of their most recent performance, whilst we were bitterly disappointed in ours.”
“But each week represents another opportunity for growth, and at home in front the fans at FMG stadium Waikato, there is no greater motivation.”
The Gallagher Chiefs will be looking to defend home turf and continue their strong form in front of what’s sure to be a passionate FMG Stadium Waikato crowd.
Gallagher Chiefs v HIGHLANDERS, 7.05PM, 19TH APRIL, FMG STADIUM WAIKATO, KIRIKIRIROA
- Aidan Ross
- Brodie McAlister
- George Dyer
- Naitoa Ah Kuoi
- Tupou Vaa’i
- Samipeni Finau
- Jahrome Brown
- Luke Jacobson (c)
- Xavier Roe
- Damian McKenzie
- Leroy Carter
- Quinn Tupaea
- Daniel Rona
- Emoni Narawa
- Shaun Stevenson
Reserves:
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho
17. Jared Proffit
18. Reuben O’Neill
19. Jimmy Tupou
20. Kaylum Boshier
21. Cortez Ratima
22. Josh Jacomb
23. Anton Lienert-Brown
Players unavailable due to injury:
- Simon Parker, HIA protocol
- Josh Lord, Knee, Mid-term
- Liam Coombes-Fabling, Knee, Mid-term
- Etene Nanai-Seturo, Hamstring, Long-term
- Fiti Sa, Shoulder, Long-term
- Wallace Sititi, Knee, Long-term
- Ramerka Poihipi, Knee, Season
- Josh Lord, Knee, Mid-term
