Taumalolo is off to Perpignan
Analysing the current squad, there are a few players who have only had bit parts this season who may hunger for more game time elsewhere...
Afeaki - Injured for a long time, but an almost automatic selection when fit. Safe.
Bradley - Had a few good game, the first in a number of solid loose forwards we have. One of the older team members. Probably safe.
Cane - Made good impact off the bench, the long term successor to Latimer (and hopefully McCaw). Safe.
Clarke - Very busy season. A great Super Rugby player, and now signed on for an extra year. Safe.
Cleaver - Only played a bit part early on when our propping stocks were down, and looked out of his depth. Only 25, but if any new props make some headway in the ITMC he could be out of luck. Possibly safe.
Cruden - Fantastic, signed on for a few seasons. Safe.
Elliot - With Schwalger likely to slow down in the next season or two, Elliot is our future long term hooker. Safe.
Fitzgerald - Typically the reserve lock, wasn't particularly good when he started against the Lions, but hasn't had much opportunity to impress. Probably safe.
Graham - Suspended for the early part of the season, and a bit of a loose cannon. A decent player otherwise, will have to prove himself again at ITMC level this year to guarantee selection. Probably safe.
Horrell - Great reserve first five/fullback, one of the best under-hyped signings of the year. Safe.
Kahui - Safe.
Kerr-Barlow - Will continue to benefit from the battle between him and Leonard. Safe.
Latimer - Having his best season for a wee while, will continue to hold that 7 jersey, or at worst 19. Safe.
Lee - The Blues will need a No. 8 next season, Lee could move north due to not getting any game time since the first round. Unsafe.
Leonard - Should stay on as the old head halfback, at least for another couple of seasons. Probably safe.
Masaga - Safe.
Messam - Signed on for another few years. Safe.
Nanai-Williams - Out with an injury at the moment, but should get back that 11/22 jersey once he recovers. Safe.
Nemani - A young player who will be happy to stay providing he gets picked, though will need to play for HB in the ITM Cup. Safe.
O'Donnell - In a similar boat to Nemani. Safe.
Retallick - Safe.
Robinson - Fallen out of favour a bit after his injury, but looks far better at the Chiefs than he did at the Highlanders. Handy bench player/15. Safe.
Schwalger - If he wants to keep playing, I see no reason for him to not be selected. Safe.
Smith - Our premier loose head. Safe.
Tameifuna - Developed well this year with lots of game time. We will probably see a bit of rotation of the props next year, similar to what the Crusaders do (assuming there aren't going to be two props on the bench). Safe.
Taumalolo - Signed with Perpignan, but has been a good player for the Chiefs. Gone.
Thomson - Same situation as Schwalger. Safe.
Tikoirotuma - Played pretty well in his games so far. Safe.
Waldrom - Likely to not be happy with his lack of game time. Too good a player to not be in a match day 22. Will probably look elsewhere for next season (Highlanders/overseas). Unsafe.
Willison - Good back up centre. Safe.
Williams - Who knows, hopefully stays with the Chiefs, I think he will. Probably safe.
Hohneck - Had a few games when Afeaki and Smith were injured, will probably be brought into the full squad next season. Safe.
Pulu - Looked good in his few games. The nature of the competition means three halfbacks is almost a necessity, but could be enticed north if Weepu leaves the Blues. Probably safe.
