Blues 2022
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Who do we think will be replace Karl Tu'inukuafe as a loosehead next year?
Josh Fusitua has had a game off the bench midweek against MP, the other Lay brother might be back next year, and Teague McElroy has been with the wider training group.
Maybe they could poach Ollie Norris?
@Tim said in Blues 2022:
Who do we think will be replace Karl Tu'inukuafe as a loosehead next year?
Josh Fusitua has had a game off the bench midweek against MP, the other Lay brother might be back next year, and Teague McElroy has been with the wider training group.If Lay is crocked, who comes in? Fusitua?
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Experienced utility back Bryce Heem, who competes with Tuivasa-Sheck for the No 12 jersey, tips his hat to his team-mate’s dedication. “To come from a decade in the NRL and slot into 12 in Super Rugby the way he has is pretty impressive,” says the soon-to-be re-signed veteran. “That’s credit to him. He’s a professional guy, and puts in all the hard work to make sure he’s nailing his role and he’s where he needs to be.””
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Does Darry merit a contract next year? Lacks "grunt", but could improve physical conditioning at his young age (21).
@Tim I think he's improved this year. Far from the finished article but he's starting to show signs of becoming a quality player for us. Definitely worth persevering with.
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Does Darry merit a contract next year? Lacks "grunt", but could improve physical conditioning at his young age (21).
@Tim said in Blues 2022:
Does Darry merit a contract next year? Lacks "grunt", but could improve physical conditioning at his young age (21).
jesus harsh much? he's 21, thats really young for a tight forward. And it's not like NZ is flush with 2m+ locks that we can just rissole one at that age.
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Does Darry merit a contract next year? Lacks "grunt", but could improve physical conditioning at his young age (21).
@Tim said in Blues 2022:
Does Darry merit a contract next year? Lacks "grunt", but could improve physical conditioning at his young age (21).
we can't expect much more from a rookie of that age. He's clearly a longer term project. The only reason to dump him is if he really isn't bringing what they thought in terms of athleticism and potential.
So, yes, probably does get a contract next year. You probably carry 4-5 locks in a wider squad, so it's damn hard; who of Romano, Tucker, Darry, Goodhue + Tuipolotu do you drop (assuming big Patty comes home)
Edit: if you don't go to 5 locks, which I think they will for a year with Romano -
@Tim said in Blues 2022:
Does Darry merit a contract next year? Lacks "grunt", but could improve physical conditioning at his young age (21).
we can't expect much more from a rookie of that age. He's clearly a longer term project. The only reason to dump him is if he really isn't bringing what they thought in terms of athleticism and potential.
So, yes, probably does get a contract next year. You probably carry 4-5 locks in a wider squad, so it's damn hard; who of Romano, Tucker, Darry, Goodhue + Tuipolotu do you drop (assuming big Patty comes home)
Edit: if you don't go to 5 locks, which I think they will for a year with Romano -
@nzzp said in Blues 2022:
Tuipulotu
Signed through 2024, IIRC.
I'd still love to see Pierce come back.
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@Tim said in Blues 2022:
Does Darry merit a contract next year? Lacks "grunt", but could improve physical conditioning at his young age (21).
we can't expect much more from a rookie of that age. He's clearly a longer term project. The only reason to dump him is if he really isn't bringing what they thought in terms of athleticism and potential.
So, yes, probably does get a contract next year. You probably carry 4-5 locks in a wider squad, so it's damn hard; who of Romano, Tucker, Darry, Goodhue + Tuipolotu do you drop (assuming big Patty comes home)
Edit: if you don't go to 5 locks, which I think they will for a year with Romano@nzzp This year we selected five players as locks + Robinson.
Goodhue
Romano
Tucker
Darry
SuafoaTuipulotu replacing Suafoa would be the obvious move. Would be a pity to lose him though. Hard to fit him in as a loose forward either - Ekuasi, Sititi, and Vai will all be pushing for a spot, with Plumtree in the squad too.
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@nzzp This year we selected five players as locks + Robinson.
Goodhue
Romano
Tucker
Darry
SuafoaTuipulotu replacing Suafoa would be the obvious move. Would be a pity to lose him though. Hard to fit him in as a loose forward either - Ekuasi, Sititi, and Vai will all be pushing for a spot, with Plumtree in the squad too.
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@Tim Suafoa looks a physical specimen in the game at the weekend.
Great ot have tough decisions for a change!
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@nzzp Beehre and Craig are coming through as locks too. Suspect the Blues will need a generous apprentice scheme to keep the talent.
@Tim Craig spent time with the main squad too this year, although he squeaks in under 2m.
Kali Vaipulu is a shade over 2m but a big unit, was in blues U18 3 or 4 years ago, played in the Northland trial game v NH the other day, playing bloody well for Morewa / United Kawakawa.
Although Northland are unusually strong at lock presently, so will need some injuries I expect: Goodhue, Caird, Hallam-Eames, Craig and even Tom.
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@Tim Craig spent time with the main squad too this year, although he squeaks in under 2m.
Kali Vaipulu is a shade over 2m but a big unit, was in blues U18 3 or 4 years ago, played in the Northland trial game v NH the other day, playing bloody well for Morewa / United Kawakawa.
Although Northland are unusually strong at lock presently, so will need some injuries I expect: Goodhue, Caird, Hallam-Eames, Craig and even Tom.
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@taniwharugby There's 22 yo Felix Kalapu at Auckland too.
@Tim interesting looking over this team sheet
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@Tim Craig spent time with the main squad too this year, although he squeaks in under 2m.
Kali Vaipulu is a shade over 2m but a big unit, was in blues U18 3 or 4 years ago, played in the Northland trial game v NH the other day, playing bloody well for Morewa / United Kawakawa.
Although Northland are unusually strong at lock presently, so will need some injuries I expect: Goodhue, Caird, Hallam-Eames, Craig and even Tom.
@taniwharugby said in Blues 2022:
Kali Vaipulu is a shade over 2m but a big unit, was in blues U18 3 or 4 years ago, played in the Northland trial game v NH the other day, playing bloody well for Morewa / United Kawakawa.
Is this the guy who was in the Chiefs U20s last year? Listed as a BOP player. Bloody tall.
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@taniwharugby said in Blues 2022:
Kali Vaipulu is a shade over 2m but a big unit, was in blues U18 3 or 4 years ago, played in the Northland trial game v NH the other day, playing bloody well for Morewa / United Kawakawa.
Is this the guy who was in the Chiefs U20s last year? Listed as a BOP player. Bloody tall.
@Bovidae yeah I think thats him.
Google says he was in BOP HP Squad last year.
@Steven-Harris I think he mentioned he has a relative that played for Northland previously, which is why he has come back/up here.
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@Tim interesting looking over this team sheet
@taniwharugby A Ta$man and MP lock in there too (Mahonri Ngakuru).
Will be interesting to see if Hamdahn Tuipulotu plays NPC this year.
