Crusaders 2025
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George Bell gone for the season
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Crusaders lose George Bell for the season -
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360582501/crusaders-lose-all-blacks-hooker-george-bell-season -
Crusaders rookie earns 'other than Dupont' praise from All Blacks star
It appears the Crusaders have unearthed yet another gem in rookie halfback Kyle Preston who has shone early in his debut season.
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While he has looked handy so far and not out of place at Super level, I have noticed a few things that Preston probably needs to improve before he makes the next step.
He can be weak on defence. He falls off too many tackles for my liking. This was more noticeable against the Reds.
He seems a bit sloppy when under pressure to clear from the base of the ruck or scrum.
He was also a bit slow getting to some rucks yesterday. There were a few times I found myself wondering where he was.
The above are all things that I think Hotham does well. It will be interesting to see how the Saders use them when both are available.
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@SBW1 said in Crusaders 2025:
He's handy for the Crusaders, but I reckon that's his ceiling now. Are we really that desperate at AB level? I think his legs are gone for anything higher.
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@Crazy-Horse said in Crusaders 2025:
He's handy for the Crusaders, but I reckon that's his ceiling now.
Also he's been used in a specific limited role. He's played 9 games and only 1 start (v Moana Pasifika)
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A side note for Crusaders Fans who are interested the following players are locked and signed for 2026 some beyound 2026.
W JORDAN,J McNICOL S REECE, C FIHAKI L FAINGA’ANUKU,A TUIVAILALA D McLEOD R REIHANA N HOTHAM,K PRESTON C LILO-WILLIE D GARDINER,X SAIFOLI S BARRETT,A SHALFOON J HANNAH ,T CAHILL S CALDER,F NEWELL G BOWER K SYKES-MARTIN,T WILLIAMS C TAYLOR,I MOANANU -
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@Grooter said in Crusaders 2025:
@Chris landers might attempt to bring George Bell back home? just an assumption, poor guy has had a horrid time with injuries the last 3 years
Possibility the Crusaders have 2 u20 hookers
Waiting in the wings so have some depth. -
@Grooter said in Crusaders 2025:
@Chris landers might attempt to bring George Bell back home? just an assumption, poor guy has had a horrid time with injuries the last 3 years
Five hookers at the Crusaders certainly doesn't fit into three. Taylor is signed through to 2027, Ioane Moananu still around, Bell signed a three year contract starting in 23. The U20s boys Manumaua Letiu and Eli Oudenryn will be wanting a run in Super soon too.
I wonder if the Aussie franchises may be interested in Oudenryn with him being eligible for the Wallabies through his dad?
'Feels like he belongs': Could this ex-Wallabies star switch allegiance to the All Blacks?
