Pacific Nations Cup General

[African Monkey]

@ARHS said in Pacific Nations Cup General:

@African-Monkey said in Pacific Nations Cup General:

@ARHS said in Pacific Nations Cup General:

Just Alaalatoa McFarland and Paiaaua as lock-ins at this level.
Very disappointing squad indeed. But I note they got Lamositele to swap over to them.

Don't think it's that disappointing. You're never gonna get the best squads inbetween world cups, so these are the times to expand your talent pool for the Island sides.

Good opportunity for some of the newer players to stake their claim.

Think you are missing the point completely. Lots of younger and stronger players just don't seem interested. Count the MP players in there. Would have thought Failagi, Alainuese, Taumateine, Toala, Patafilo, S Lam for starters.

Yeah, fair, the NPC players could have been there, but they're not, so bring some new faces in and who knows, maybe we'll be talking more about those new faces in a years time to go with the guys mentioned, and they could also push for professinal contracts. It's not that big a deal.

[Nepia]

I assume this is going to benefit my Pies, but I'm not really keen on players picking NPC over internationals.

[Daffy Jaffy]

Ex-Hurricanes winger Salesi Rayasi named in 32-man Flying Fijians squad

Former Hurricanes winger Salesi Rayasi has taken another significant step towards Test honours with the Flying Fijians.

Flying Fijians 32-man squad

Forwards

Eroni Mawi
Luke Tagi
Haereiti Hetet
Mesake Doge
Peni Ravai
Tevita Ikanivere
Samuel Matavesi
Kavaia Tagivetaua
Isoa Nasilasila
Mesake Vocevoce
Temo Mayanavanua
Setareki Turagacoke
Viliame Mata
Elia Canakaivata
Lekima Tagitagivalu
Albert Tuisue
Etonia Waqa
Motikai Murray

Backs

Simione Kuruvoli
Philip Baselala
Sam Wye
Caleb Muntz
Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
Vilimoni Botitu
Josua Tuisova
Iosefo Balewairiki
Sireli Maqala
Kalaveti Ravouvou
Ponipate Loganimasi
Jiuta Wainiqolo
Selestino Ravutaumada
Salesi Rayasi

[ARHS]

And Sam Wye

[Bones]

This post is deleted!

[African Monkey]

@Fredsaua12 said in Pacific Nations Cup General:

Joel Lam has been playing Rugby League in Australia this season so it’s very interesting to see him selected. Shows there is a lack of depth in key positions

A bit like when they would pick Danny Tusitala last year after he'd been playing U85s for Ponsonby.

[Landers92]

@Fredsaua12 said in Pacific Nations Cup General:

Joel Lam has been playing Rugby League in Australia this season so it’s very interesting to see him selected. Shows there is a lack of depth in key positions

Yup. Played a cross code pre season game here, liked it and joined the league club they played. Had a handful of games for them before linking up with a team in Aus. He is now back playing club rugby in Christchurch

[cgrant]

No Abraham Papali'i (Castres Olympique) is a surprise to me. He is a huge Nr.8 (194 cm, 126 kg) and has been used all year long as a human bulldozer in the Top 14.

[mikedogz]

Jun 18  /  Pacific

NZ Rugby says it isn't blocking Pacific heritage players from representing island nations

The union made the comment following claims from the Flying Fijians head coach that some Super Rugby contracts include clauses requiring players to remain eligible for the All Blacks.

[gt12]

Fuck off Mick.
If a player is getting over their market amount to stay in NZ, on the basis that they make themselves eligible for the ABs, then wait in line or ask them to play for the Drua.
If these guys want to be paid as being eligible for Fiji, they should make that clear and we'll pay them accordingly.

[Nepia]

@gt12 said in Pacific Nations Cup General:

Fuck off Mick.
If a player is getting over their market amount to stay in NZ, on the basis that they make themselves eligible for the ABs, then wait in line or ask them to play for the Drua.
If these guys want to be paid as being eligible for Fiji, they should make that clear and we'll pay them accordingly.

It's a bit fucking rich to claim we pick players from multiple countries when one of the guys he's whining about is a born and bred NZer.

[ARHS]

Ezekiel Lindenmuth left Samoa for USA squad.

[booboo]

I fully expect that there is an incentive reflected in remuneration for players who remain eligible for NZ.

Mick is essentially asking players to take a pay cut to play for another country.

[Tim]

Samoa has been a shit show with admin and coaches in recent times.

[ARHS]

Charlie Lawrence from Hamilton BHS in Japan squad. No sign of Kaivelata yet, but they are clearing out their props, so I expect he will get picked once eligible.

[Bovidae]

@ARHS said in Pacific Nations Cup General:

Charlie Lawrence from Hamilton BHS in Japan squad.

That's not a name that I remember. I see he is a midfielder.

[African Monkey]

Willis Halahalo has been called up to the Tonga squad, making a switch from Wales.