Flying Fijian winger Sevu Reece is the notable omission from the Chiefs squad named for the 2019 Super Rugby season.
Reece lead all tryscorers through the just-completed Mitre 10 Cup provincial competition, helping Waikato to victory in the championship division.
But his star turn on the field was also marred by misbehaviour off the field - he was discharged without conviction for domestic assault, was suspended a game and withdrew from consideration for the Duane Monkley Medal for the competition's outstanding player.
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Reece was also released from his professional contract with Irish club Connacht, making him available for Super Rugby selection.
But Chiefs coach Colin Cooper insists Reece's off-field troubles had nothing to do with his omission, but rather the early signing of blockbusting Tongan-born Japanese wing Ataata Moeakiola.
"We committed to him early and obviously with Sevu Reece's contract not coming through with Connacht, it was unlucky for Sevu," said Cooper.
Notable inclusions include Auckland-born first-five Jack Debreczeni, who played for Melbourne Rebels last season, but fronted for Northland during the recent Mitre 10 Cup campaign.
Sevens exponent Etene Nanai-Seturo picks up a 15-a-side contract, after his release from a long-term NZ Warriors commitment earlier this year.
Centre Tumua Manu transfers from the Blues, after helping Auckland to Mitre 10 Cup premiership honours.
Prop Reuben O'Neill and lock Laghlan McWhannell are other newcomers to the Chiefs.
The full 2019 Chiefs Super Rugby squad is:
Props - Kane Hames (Tasman), Aidan Ross (Bay of Plenty), Reuben O’Neill (Taranaki)*, Nepo Laulala (Counties Manukau), Atu Moli (Waikato), Sosefo Kautai (Waikato), Angus Ta’avao (Taranaki)
Hookers - Nathan Harris (Bay of Plenty), Liam Polwart (Bay of Plenty), Samisoni Taukei'aho (Waikato)
Locks - Brodie Retallick (Hawke’s Bay), Tyler Ardron (Bay of Plenty), Laghlan McWhannell (Waikato)*, Michael Allardice (Hawke’s Bay), Fin Hoeata (Taranaki)
Loose forwards - Mitchell Brown (Taranaki), Taleni Seu (Auckland), Sam Cane (Bay of Plenty), Mitchell Karpik (Bay of Plenty), Lachlan Boshier (Taranaki), Luke Jacobson (Waikato), Pita Gus Sowakula (Taranaki)
Halfbacks - Brad Weber (Hawke’s Bay), Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Taranaki), Jonathan Taumateine (Counties Manukau)
First five-eighths - Damian McKenzie (Waikato), Tiaan Falcon (Hawke’s Bay), Jack Debreczeni (Northland)*
Midfielders - Alex Nankivell (Tasman), Anton Lienert-Brown (Waikato), Tumua Manu (Auckland)*, Bailyn Sullivan (Waikato)
Outside backs - Solomon Alaimalo (Tasman), Sean Wainui (Taranaki), Ataata Moeakiola (Japan)*, Etene Nanai-Seturo (Counties Manukau)*, Shaun Stevenson (North Harbour), Marty McKenzie (Taranaki)
*New Chiefs player
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