Blues 2025
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@KiwiMurph I guess some people only see what they want to see. Came on in both the semi final and the final and did what he does best, carry hard and fast into contact and win line-outs. It was only a few years ago when he was the main component of the lineout in the final against the Blues at Eden Park and was praised for his ability to disrupt the opposition ball. I noticed him come off the bench in these last two games and have that same presence at lineout time. And in the final despite apparently being anaonymous, I recall him instantly taking about three carries as soon as he came on the field and all being strong through contact and breaking the advantage line.
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@Trig I'm not anti Cullen Grace. I could understand why he was brought into the ABs 5 years ago but I just don't think he's playing to the same level he was back then.
I'm not talking about the Blues Crusaders final from 2022, I'm talking about next season, 2026
I take the point about the lineout but I think he's weak defensively around the field and I think his ball carrying is overstated (also see the stats on the other thread).
Blues definitely have a need at 6 but Grace is not a 6 and whilst he's a bigger body I'm not sure he solves anything except taking up playing time that would go to another loosie.
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We need to replace Choat and Suafoa. These guys had quite a few years of experience, contributed over the season, but they've never been guaranteed starters. We need like for like. We can't just have a whole bunch of noobs with little game time in the loose forwards.
Grace is experienced, has won multiple titles, and at 25 is coming to his peak years.
Anyway there's other guys around like Inisi, maybe Ekuasi, but I think it's important we get players with solid experience.
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@Mr-Fish said in Blues 2025:
Moananu rumours incorrect?
It was me who posted he was likely headed back to Auckland but it wasn’t decided on which Auckland club he was joining(or I just wasn’t being told). Both were keen. The Slater signing threw a spanner in the mix. All signs point to Moana you would now assume if what Frugby is posting is correct
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@KiwiMurph said in Blues 2025:
Would like to see a young winger signed with Telea gone
Is the George Bridge rumour true......
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@george33 Is Kade Banks coming back?
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@UpTheHarbs don't no hopefully not been there done that with the Blues hopefully Vern into his 3rd season might bring in his team with few of contract now
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@UpTheHarbs said in Blues 2025:
@george33 Is Kade Banks coming back?
Highly likely. Either him or potentially Daniel Sinkinson.
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@Canes4life can't see Kade Banks got moved on after 1 season
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@george33 said in Blues 2025:
@Canes4life can't see Kade Banks got moved on after 1 season
Was disappointed he didn't get more opportunity after a really strong NPC.
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With Reon Paul off contract there is effectively 2 wing spots open. Paul, Vai, Banks and Tito Harris maybe in contention . Even Harlyn Saunoa if they want a real punt on youth (more likely in academy group). Tito-Harris and Banks would be my choice.
The fact they are naming two together suggests maybe its the Vai brothers. (or maybe the Bason brothers, just to upset those Canes fans!)
Otherwise my guess for today would Slater or players who trained with them this year likke Tupaea, Cook, Simpson. -
What about James Arscott?
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