Blues 2022
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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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@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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@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 -
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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 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.
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@Tim interesting looking over this team sheet
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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.
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@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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@taniwharugby A Ta$man and MP lock in there too (Mahonri Ngakuru).
Will be interesting to see if Hamdahn Tuipulotu plays NPC this year.
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