Auckland Rugby 2019

[Daffy Jaffy]

@Nogusta True, I see Cowley's name in their Pacific Nations cup squad. As also i see is Ray Niuia rumoured to be Moulds' replacement at the Blues next season, so we can get a decent assessment of him there.

[Nogusta]

Just realized Michael Lea (hooker) played the last few rounds for Marist which would suggest he might be suiting up for Auckland in the M10? Formerly of Counties and most recently played for Asia Pacific Dragons in the Rapid Rugby tourney. I liked the look the look of him when he was with Counties. Did the fundamentals well and was a solid ball carrier. Good hooking stocks for Auckland - Abel, Apisai and Lea.

[KiwiMurph]

Looks like Nanai is off overseas already so that opens up another spot.

[Nogusta]

@KiwiMurph anyone see much of Matt Storm this year for G Tech? I know hes in the Auckland Academy and was part of the wider M10 squad.

[Daffy Jaffy]

@Nogusta Lea appears to have been playing in Ireland for the last two seasons. for the Greystones RFC in the Ulster 2nd division.

[Daffy Jaffy]

@booboo 12 Gallahers since 2001 I think. You should just bow down and accept your benevolent overlords, you'll be much happier. Or better still come over to the dark (Blue and Black) side and enjoy the (pony) ride. Stare at the centre of the picture and repeat after me "In Hoc Signo Vinces" " " " " " " -- now you are feeling sleepy --.

'Resistance is Futile'

[African Monkey]

@Daffy-Jaffy Those were the days haha. 2001 we hammered Otahuhu after they hammered us the year before and I still remember 2002 as a kid when we went to extra time with Waitemata. Probably the best final of this century.

[booboo]

@Daffy-Jaffy bugger off. You are the Auckland of Auckland club rugby.

[mikedogz]

I would say they are the Crusaders

[Tim]

Anyone know when the Auckland and Harbour squads are announced?

[Tim]

@Nogusta said in Auckland Rugby 2019:

Good hooking stocks for Auckland - Abel, Apisai and Lea.

I see from Instagram that Apisai is in Auckland, so another good bit of info there!

[Stargazer]

[Duluth]

Kurt Heatherley played AFL for Hawthorn but was cut last year

Beth Newman  /  Dec 3, 2018

Kiwi AFL player explores radical return to rugby with Rebels

Is Trainor still injured?

[Tim]

@Duluth Don't think so, he had a thigh injury but was jumping up and down at gym training on Instagram.

Lots of Super Rugby and NZ Maori players missing from that match squad. Only one Ponsonby player from the club final, I think.

[African Monkey]

@Tim Are you an Auckland or North Harbour man? I've tried to figure it out since being here without trying to ask but I've given up now (unless you support both haha).

[Tim]

@African-Monkey Ha ha, I pretty much do support both. I grew up on the shore and played for Takapuna as a kid, but went to almost every Eden Park game until I finished uni. Ultimately I support Auckland most though.

[Dice]

I'm thinking we'll see a bit of Telea/Clarke in the midfield tomorrow. We'll probably see Leuila playing some fullback too.

We can still field a pretty handy backrow even without Akira and Dalton. So much depth in the backrow, but it means a couple of decent players will be playing for the Bs quite a bit this season.

I'm actually surprised Blake will be playing in a pre-season game.

[OleOleOle]

@Duluth hes been playing club rugby in the Waikato. Slightly built, really good in the air, reasonable pace and a pretty good boot on him. Looking forward to seeing how he goes!

[Nogusta]

@OleOleOle was he the top tryscorer in Waikato club rugby this year?

[Nogusta]

@Dice Excited to see Solofa Silipa in the mix. I think we'll see Tele'a/Silipa tomorrow in the midfield with Plummer as cover. Silipas a very talented footballer. One of the better performed club players over the years (Pakuranga/East Tamaki/Papatoetoe) and now finally getting an opportunity. Spent some time in Penrith Panthers system after leaving school.