Blues 2026
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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?
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@Bovidae said in Blues 2026:
Who posted this rumour?
The myth of Dmac getting oracle status for being a fern lurker.
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@brodean Spencer signed until end of 26. Paul is off contract this year but may be re-signed. He looked useful coming back from injury for BOP late in the NPC.
Codi Vai may be there. He was not with NZ Sevens last weekend. Kade Banks is also a possibility.
The Props selections will be interesting. Ofa's injury (we had rumors on here of possible medical retirement). Gus gone, Sheck off contract, the invisible man Ben Ake who has been with Auckland and the Blues for 3 seasons and played 6 times for Auckland in 23 and nothing since. Amazingly he still has 2 years to run on his 5 year Blues contract having yet to play due mostly to long term injury. The fact they have 3 props in the above rumored wider training group suggests they have injury concerns or will drop from 7 props to six this season allowing for an extra loose forward/lock. -
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@Duluth I would too. but I fear him ending up in the Crusaders wider group replacing Trainor who withdrew to return to MLR. Also suspect our coach does not rate smaller backs, hence loosing Tito-Harris while signing bodies like Paul, Vai and Suanoa. We always produce big strong athletes. The fast, nimble quick thinkers are rare we should protect them when we find them.
