Blues 2021
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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.
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With two FB spots sorted, we probably need one more FB option. Narawa? Raumaitayuki-Kneepkens?
Josh Moorby, Caleb Makene and Josh McKay could be other options to bring in.
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@Dice I always thought McKay would be worth a punt. Doesn't seem to be any rumours of us getting any outside backs?
@African-Monkey AJ Lam and Jacob Raumaitavuki-Kneepkens have been reported on here as signed. Perofeta, Sullivan and Narawa should cover fullback pretty effectively. One or two Midfield backups for Faiane, Ioane and Tele'a will be interesting with no obvious standout options in the region now that Tua is unavailable.
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Had it confirmed to me last night that Zarn Sullivan has been signed by the Blues ,.
@Steven-Harris said in Blues 2021:
Had it confirmed to me last night that Zarn Sullivan has been signed by the Blues ,.
Good to see another Napier boy getting a SR contract.
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