Blues 2021
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@Nogusta At only 19 years old is Vikena's "draft contract" like the wtg contract or some kind of apprentiship deal? If so that would still allow 3 full squad choices (Parsons, Niuia, then either Ekland or Tolai?). After training full time with All Black front rowers for two seasons Vikena should then be primed and ready to replace Parsons for 2022. Maybe Ieremia had him in his sights for Moana Pasifika 2022?
Pleased with the Lam signing. If they did not pick him up they would surely have been playing against him. I guess he is in for Hyland though he is also useful in the centres. The Blues only carried 4 specialist midfeilders last season and Tele'a was injured for most of it, so they they need to replace Marchant and pick an extra to back up at 12 for Faiane so they don't run him into the ground again. Tamati Tua trained with the team this year and is playing well right now but my concern with him is he seems to be forever injured. Would be great to get Michael Little back from Japan (his brother has had some good moments for Harbour this season). The more I see of Plummer at 10 the more I think he may be best suited to 12. I also like James Tofa from the Turbos as a midfield option, he covers most backline positions and kicks goals. I imagine the Canes will pick him up if they have space for a utility. I think he has been in their development team. I had wondered previously if Inga Finau was lured north by Auckland/Blues with the idea of pushing for Marcant's Blues spot. However he has not had enough game time to push his case. I think only the one start against Harbour. Jack Heighton was promoted to full Blues squad member last season when Tele'a was injured but never played. I noticed he played 12 for Harbour recently but i've honestly never seen him play so can't comment on his potential or best position.@Daffy-Jaffy yeah Tua is showing a bit more maturity in games this year, he has plenty of pace, and is a good prospect, but I'd be surprised if he goes more than a WTG/Dev at this point.
He is still only 22 so be good if he gets a shot to develop further.
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@Nogusta At only 19 years old is Vikena's "draft contract" like the wtg contract or some kind of apprentiship deal? If so that would still allow 3 full squad choices (Parsons, Niuia, then either Ekland or Tolai?). After training full time with All Black front rowers for two seasons Vikena should then be primed and ready to replace Parsons for 2022. Maybe Ieremia had him in his sights for Moana Pasifika 2022?
Pleased with the Lam signing. If they did not pick him up they would surely have been playing against him. I guess he is in for Hyland though he is also useful in the centres. The Blues only carried 4 specialist midfeilders last season and Tele'a was injured for most of it, so they they need to replace Marchant and pick an extra to back up at 12 for Faiane so they don't run him into the ground again. Tamati Tua trained with the team this year and is playing well right now but my concern with him is he seems to be forever injured. Would be great to get Michael Little back from Japan (his brother has had some good moments for Harbour this season). The more I see of Plummer at 10 the more I think he may be best suited to 12. I also like James Tofa from the Turbos as a midfield option, he covers most backline positions and kicks goals. I imagine the Canes will pick him up if they have space for a utility. I think he has been in their development team. I had wondered previously if Inga Finau was lured north by Auckland/Blues with the idea of pushing for Marcant's Blues spot. However he has not had enough game time to push his case. I think only the one start against Harbour. Jack Heighton was promoted to full Blues squad member last season when Tele'a was injured but never played. I noticed he played 12 for Harbour recently but i've honestly never seen him play so can't comment on his potential or best position.@Daffy-Jaffy said in Blues 2021:
@Nogusta At only 19 years old is Vikena's "draft contract" like the wtg contract or some kind of apprentiship deal? If so that would still allow 3 full squad choices (Parsons, Niuia, then either Ekland or Tolai?). After training full time with All Black front rowers for two seasons Vikena should then be primed and ready to replace Parsons for 2022. Maybe Ieremia had him in his sights for Moana Pasifika 2022?
I also like James Tofa from the Turbos as a midfield option, he covers most backline positions and kicks goals. I imagine the Canes will pick him up if they have space for a utility. I think he has been in their development team.I wasn’t aware that he was the would be great pick up for the Canes very much in a Laumape mould with hard running I must admit haven’t seen him kick goals.
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The squad is looking pretty full - I thought that Lolagi Visinia might be in line for a return to the Blues, but maybe not enough room
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Blues apparently have signed Taranaki wing Jacob Raumaitavuki-Kneepkens on a three-year deal. Not sure if it's three years of full contract or first year as development and last two on full.
@Number-10 nice! He might be with 7s year 1?
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Blues apparently have signed Taranaki wing Jacob Raumaitavuki-Kneepkens on a three-year deal. Not sure if it's three years of full contract or first year as development and last two on full.
@Number-10 Here is an interesting Stuff read about him - He signed a 3 year deal with the Eels in 2017.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/122858986/mitre-10-cup-rising-stars-jacob-ratumaitavukikneepkens-laps-up-ranfurly-shield-win -
@Yeetyaah said in Blues 2021:
FFS the Blues don't need any more outside back talent.
Well from the sounds of @Daffy-Jaffy's article signing a contract doesn't confirm he'll turn up at any rate.
Must admit I've been slightly disappointed with him in the Magpies v Naki matches - by disappointed I mean happy.
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So with Tucker gone and the following signed, we might have Carroll, Riedlinger-Kapa, and Choat up for the final loose forward spot.
Gibson
Hunt
Papalii
Robinson
Sotutu
Ioane -
So with Tucker gone and the following signed, we might have Carroll, Riedlinger-Kapa, and Choat up for the final loose forward spot.
Gibson
Hunt
Papalii
Robinson
Sotutu
Ioane@Tim Last season they carried 5 locks and 8 loosies. So presuming they keep that balance and that Hunt replaces Lamborn and Darry - Tucker, that means both Carrol and W.K's spots should be available. They seemed to like Carrols efforts after his late inclusion last season. He often covered 6/lock on the bench and even started at 6 vs the Canes I think. Papalii's preference for playing 7 should leave a spot for W-K, or another blindside. Unless they now see Papalii as a 6. That leaves Choat unlucky, WTG or elsewhere. He deserves a spot somewhere though. Of course Lamborn could also still be in contention for a 7/6 spot?
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Had it confirmed to me last night that Zarn Sullivan has been signed by the Blues ,.
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@Tim Last season they carried 5 locks and 8 loosies. So presuming they keep that balance and that Hunt replaces Lamborn and Darry - Tucker, that means both Carrol and W.K's spots should be available. They seemed to like Carrols efforts after his late inclusion last season. He often covered 6/lock on the bench and even started at 6 vs the Canes I think. Papalii's preference for playing 7 should leave a spot for W-K, or another blindside. Unless they now see Papalii as a 6. That leaves Choat unlucky, WTG or elsewhere. He deserves a spot somewhere though. Of course Lamborn could also still be in contention for a 7/6 spot?
@Daffy-Jaffy I would actually have Choat ahead of Gibson , gets more turnovers and is less injury prone ..
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Had it confirmed to me last night that Zarn Sullivan has been signed by the Blues ,.
@Steven-Harris pleased to hear that. Another Papamoa boy made good
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Had it confirmed to me last night that Zarn Sullivan has been signed by the Blues ,.
@Steven-Harris Could be the starting fullback next season.
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@Steven-Harris Could be the starting fullback next season.
@African-Monkey I am thinking that as well, got the best kicking game of any of the other options not to mention as seen last night , he really can knock them over from a fair way out if required to kick for goal ..
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@African-Monkey I am thinking that as well, got the best kicking game of any of the other options not to mention as seen last night , he really can knock them over from a fair way out if required to kick for goal ..
@Steven-Harris Yup, and we also don't really have many options there with Perofeta being the only other option I can think of and he's also very injury prone. As you said, he has a huge kick and seems good under the high ball.
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@Tim that is some loose forward
trioEdit: group.Amazing how with decent governance, decent administration and decent coaching players suddenly are interested in playing for Auckland!
@nzzp said in Blues 2021:
@Tim that is some loose forward
trioEdit: group.Amazing how with decent governance, decent administration and decent coaching players suddenly are interested in playing for Auckland!
It's way more a case of decent results and chance at results. Players these days want titles or finals on their Cvs for value.
All those things can add to results but then you can also have all of those and if you just can't quite get results it can stall or you can be undesirable. See the Chiefs. Governance and admin still good, one the world's best coaches but it hasn't gelled and will now take a while before they are back to having players knocking the door down.
