2nd March 2010 11:15AM

MILS READY TO FEED OFF CHIEFS EXCITEMENT!

Mils Muliaina is champing at the bit to be amongst his Chiefs teammates this week.
The 29 year-old classy fullback returns to the Chiefs squad after an extended off-season break, negotiated in his national contract, which saw him not play the first three rounds of the Rebel Sport Super 14.
"It is going to be great to get back into the team environment. The last four weeks I've been by myself, so now I'm keen to be surrounded by the guys and feed off their excitement."

At the weekend Mils enjoyed some game time under his belt when he played for Te Rapa at St Andrews Park in Hamilton.

"I was excited to get back into rugby. I finished playing club rugby at the weekend, which I enjoyed, and now I am ready to go."

Muliaina reflected that he felt more pressure playing club rugby than a test match in some ways due to the expectations of people. It was Muliaina's first game of club rugby for nine years - his first in the province.

This week Muliaina returns to the Chiefs squad and will be immersed into training with the squad from today.

"My observations over the past weeks, while watching the Chiefs' games from home, is that there is some great depth in our squad. While we've had to face injuries to players, there have been guys ready and able to step up to the challenge and have slotted in well into the team. "

"This is testament to the Chiefs Wider Training Group programme of the past couple of seasons and the development at this level in the Chiefs region," he added.

Secure your tickets now for the Chiefs v Reds match at Waikato Stadium on Friday 5 March. Kick off is 7.35pm. Tickets are on sale now via www.chiefs.co.nz, Gate One Waikato Stadium and the usual Chiefs ticket outlets (listed on www.chiefs.co.nz). Adult prices range from $10 to $45.