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Tasman Mako nab Chiefs winger
By Online Editors
The Tasman Mako have found their replacement for winger James Lowe, signing talented Chiefs outside back Solomon Alaimalo.
Alaimalo grew up in Christchurch attending St Bede's College before playing club rugby with the Sydenham Bus Drivers. After three years, things weren't progressing so Alaimalo made the move to Melbourne for a brief stint before moving back to take a chance in Northland club rugby.
Alaimalo's form for the Otamatea Hawks earned a contract with Northland where he has been playing for the last two seasons, before a call up from Dave Rennie led to a Super Rugby debut with the Chiefs.
"I enjoyed my time with Northland and am very thankful for all they provided, but I'm excited to join the Mako next year. The Mako have a great track record in the Premiership. I'm especially looking forward to working with Leon MacDonald and the other coaches to develop my game further," the 21-year-old said.
"I also hear great things about the team environment and the Tasman region. I feel this is a good decision for my rugby. I'm planning on a strong season for the Chiefs then continuing that form and impressing for the Mako."
The move for Alaimalo is a step towards moving back to his home franchise, with Tasman being one of the Crusaders-aligned unions.
The Chiefs have a history of securing hot talent from the Crusaders region - Damian McKenzie and the man Alaimalo will replace, James Lowe, being prime examples. Again this year, the Chiefs swooped in to sign Tasman centre Levi Aumua for the 2018 season.
It looks like the Crusaders may get one back at some point in the future.
Tasman chief executive Tony Lewis was thrilled to have secured the signing of the 1.96m, 99kg Alaimalo.
"We're delighted to secure Solomon as he is a quality player who the Mako coaches see playing fullback, centre or wing. He is a player with rare speed which makes his signing an exciting one for the team."
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Latest Comments
No just because the personal is much better than last year. I've shown no antagonism of Crusader players, you must be confusing me with someone else.
I have critized Razor for picking players he knows occasionally?
I said I'm not surprised because of his style, he's more a grinder player like Cane, not going to show up on peoples radar until you see how bad the other choices are. This year players like Clarke have been on fire and just show a bit more.
Are you one of those posters continually taking it easy on Razor because he doesn't have his Crusaders stars available? Do you think the rugby world is going to up to him suddenly once Mo'unga returns? lol
Go to commentsJohn you have been beating this drum for a couple of years, if you get proven right get back to us.
The last recent and decent Aussie coach was Ewen McKenzie, he was undermined and forced out by a couple of slimy Aussie players who were given a free pass when they should have been disciplined.
So our history since McQueen is very checkered and it seems to make little difference whether we have an Aussie coach or a Kiwi coach. The players have been entitled for a long time and we had to hit bottom to get them back into reality and to stop thinking it is all about them.
Cheika was an OK coach but his 'go our and destroy the opposition' tactic worked for a while and then didn't.
Please give me a list of great Aussie coaches that I have missed.
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