Blues 2023

Duluth

Alama likes making a few weird selections. Hopefully it's his last year

African Monkey

@Chris And it's annoying as I stated a while ago especially at lock, that it also affects our locking stocks for the Blues, hence why we end up signing journeymen to fill in the gaps.

Auckland especially have been pathetic bringing through locks.

taniwharugby

@Chris there is absolutely no excuse for Auckland to bring in anyone form outside Club Rugby who isnt already an established NPC/Age Group Rep/Super player...the stuff I read about/see online and listening to @Steven-Harris who is out and about every week covering club footy, the talent running around Auckland is insane! Which is probably part of the problem, IDing those that might make that step up and beyond!

Duluth

Young Auckland prop joining the squad. I presume he's filling the gap that Karl Tu'inukuafe left

KiwiMurph

@Duluth Nice. Was hoping he'd get a full gig.

Higgins

@Duluth God he looks super young, how old is he?

Stargazer

@Higgins He's 21 years old.

Higgins

@Stargazer Obviously an old photo then, unless he was a 4th Year 7th Former!

Tim

With Fusitua signed, and Tuipulotu returning, they may only need a hooker now (would rather not use Riccitelli)?

A young loose forward might force their way in? A tighthead to replace Renata? Maybe a halback or wing?

Chris

@Tim said in Blues 2023:

With Fusitua signed, and Tuipulotu returning, they may only need a hooker now (would rather not use Riccitelli)?

A young loose forward might force their way in? A tighthead to replace Renata? Maybe a halback or wing?

Or another TH if Laulau goes to France.

Duluth

@Tim said in Blues 2023:

With Fusitua signed, and Tuipulotu returning, they may only need a hooker now (would rather not use Riccitelli)?

A young loose forward might force their way in? A tighthead to replace Renata? Maybe a halback or wing?

I think Nock was on his last year of his deal. He tried to get an early release, so I suspect he’ll go somewhere else

It might be Milo-Harris to replace him. An improvement IMO

Tim

@Duluth What about Judd? Going ok for Harbour?

Tim

@Chris That rumour is for after the 2023 Super Rugby season.

Duluth

@Tim

Maybe. I assume Milo-Harris because he spent time with the Blues this year

taniwharugby

@Duluth I thought Nock re-signed an extension after all the talk of him supposedly asking for a release?

But right now LMH looks a better option at any rate.

Tim

Of course, we need a lock replacement for Romano too.

taniwharugby

@Tim could do worse than Hallam-Eames, top grafter there.

Tim

@taniwharugby How has Craig looked this year?

taniwharugby

@Tim gone better than I expected him to, has good skills and has been more physical too, but think hes still not there yet.

Duluth

@taniwharugby said in Blues 2023:

@Tim gone better than I expected him to, has good skills and has been more physical too, but think hes still not there yet.

Would still prefer to sign guys like him and Beehre

Tuipulotu and Darry with support from the loosie/locks (Robinson, Suafoa, Tucker, Plumtree) until the young guys are ready

The Silver Fern

Blues 2023