Blues 2024

[SouthernMann]

He is standing in between Gregory and Bekhuis here. Looks to be a decent size for an openside.

[george33]

Yes seems to have size for a young guy be interested to follow his progress

[Tim]

So, we need a loosehead (Hodgman) and tighthead (Laulala) replacement, and maybe a replacement for James Lay as well. Eklund and Renata might be on the fringe too. Any whispers about signings? Ahio next in line?

[Chris]

@george33

Yeah mate there is a lot of rumours around of player movement.
Some money being chucked around.

[Duluth]

@Tim said in Blues 2023:

Ahio next in line?

He looked good in his handful of NPC games. Is Hamdahn Tuipulotu still around?

[Tim]

@Chris any hints?

[Duluth]

@Tim also wasn’t there a rumour about Tamaiti Williams?

[Chris]

@Tim

I don't know if any are true but I have heard Akira moving,JNK moving,PUJ and TUJ moving.
But just rumours I have no 100% confirmation.

[Tim]

@Duluth and Finlay Brewis

[Tim]

@Chris said in Blues 2023:

Akira moving

Wants to play number 8?

[Chris]

@Tim

I think the Crusaders are letting Brewis go because of to many injuries and keeping Calder or Sykes-Martin

Not sure on why with Akira but it is just a rumour.

[Tim]

@Chris Brewis has been unavailable for nearly all of the last two seasons?

[Duluth]

@Tim isn’t he another player with a netball girlfriend? Maybe it’s just related to her not being in Auckland?

[Tim]

@Duluth yeah, he spent the off season in Christchurch before 2022 season, IIRC.

[Chris]

@Tim
Yep shoulder and neck injuries reminds me of Harrison Allen he was the same over 2 seasons.

[george33]

Akira will b at Blues so I understand there r rumors of highlanders that's started in media

[Chris]

@Tim

Akira trained with the Crusaders pre Christmas for a couple of weeks while he was down there.

[Tim]

Parsons mentioned Jacob Pierce as one of the best scrumaging locks he's played with. Missed opportunity!

[Tim]

Josh Fusitua
Alex Hodgman
Nepo Laulala
James Lay - may go to MP
Marcel Renata
Ofa Tuʻungafasi

Kurt Eklund - off contract
Ricky Riccitelli
Soane Vikena

Sam Darry
Taine Plumtree
James Tucker
Patrick Tuipulotu

Adrian Choat
Akira Ioane
Dalton Papalii
Tom Robinson
Rob Rush
Anton Segner
Hoskins Sotutu
Cameron Suafoa

Finlay Christie
Taufa Funaki
Sam Nock

Beauden Barrett
Stephen Perofeta
Harry Plummer

Corey Evans - leaving for game time?
Rieko Ioane
Tanielu Teleʻa - will he be injured?
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
Bryce Heem

Caleb Clarke
AJ Lam
Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Caleb Tangitau - Sevens
Mark Telea
Zarn Sullivan

[Nogusta]

@Daffy-Jaffy signed with Auckland as well for this years NPC