Blues 2026
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@zedsdeadbaby said in Blues 2026:
Fair - I was just thinking if jt got down to the point of needing a 10.
Rico Simpson presumably around
If he could improve it, he could be something special, but I just don't think he'll get the opportunity or coaching.
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@brodean said in Blues 2026:
@ARHS said in Blues 2026:
Taele?
His passing can be pretty inaccurate at times.
We're in big trouble if it's Taele or Simpson
I'd take them over Knewstubb and Robinson haha
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Yeah be good to see Simpson in Super, very Mercurial player, I'm not saying he's the next king Carlos or
anything just that his game may really suit super rugby, admittedly I might be biased, have a mate that went to sacred heart with him said Rico has what it takes to go all the way -
Blues wider training squad players that were handed to me
Eslie Fono
Josh Renton
Jed Melvin
Sam Matenga
Torian Barnes
Eli Oudenryn
Harlyn Saunoa
Mason TupaeaThere’s a couple of other names but that’s the majority that I got passed on to me
There’s a few other names
I would expect Sam Hainsworth Fa’aofo given he was used by the Blues last year as a 7 in preseason games -
@Steven-Harris Interesting to see a couple from the Crusaders region in there. If there is to be a draft for the last few WTG players there will be some unexpected names appearing in each WTG.
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@Steven-Harris said in Blues 2026:
Blues wider training squad players that were handed to me
Eslie Fono
Josh Renton
Jed Melvin
Sam Matenga
Torian Barnes
Eli Oudenryn
Harlyn Saunoa
Mason TupaeaThere’s a couple of other names but that’s the majority that I got passed on to me
There’s a few other names
I would expect Sam Hainsworth Fa’aofo given he was used by the Blues last year as a 7 in preseason gamesSam Hainsworth Fa’aofo was pretty average for Auckland this year albeit at 8. There are other better 7 options floating around the country. In all honesty he doesn't deserve it based on NPC form.
Has Adrian Choat actually managed to secure a visa?
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@brodean to be brutally honest he was played out of position, Bates did him no favours he’s a specialist 7
In last years preseason Blues v Crusaders game he was the standout player on the paddock
the most damaging no 8 in Auckland club rugby was Zachariah Mauga from Suburbs
Imo Mauga should have been the Auckland 8 this season ,Fa’aofo at 7 and Segner at 6 -
@Steven-Harris Good to see Barnes picked up somewhere. That guy is an enforcer could develop well with a season or 2 under his belt
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@Steven-Harris Good to see Melvin returning to the Blues WTG after a brilliant NPC campaign, along with Saunoa being added into the mix as well.
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How are the Blues looking in the outside backs?
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@WoodysRFC said in Blues 2026:
Looking at Reon Paul, Clarke, Forbes, Sullivan, Spencer, Saunoa, anyone else?
So, Perofeta at fullback with Clarke on one wing and ??? For a region that produces a lot of outside backs depth looks a bit shallow
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@WoodysRFC said in Blues 2026:
Looking at Reon Paul, Clarke, Forbes, Sullivan, Spencer, Saunoa, anyone else?
Spencer and Paul I thought had one year deals for 2025?
Spencer shouldn't be there based on this years form. He needs to bulk up and work on his defence.
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@brodean said in Blues 2026:
@WoodysRFC said in Blues 2026:
Looking at Reon Paul, Clarke, Forbes, Sullivan, Spencer, Saunoa, anyone else?
Spencer and Paul I thought had one year deals for 2025?
Spencer shouldn't be there based on this years form. He needs to bulk up and work on his defence.
Just working on assumptions here, would be inclined to agree. So who's most likely, since you're looking rather light?
