Magpies 2022
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@Stargazer Tiaan Falcon is not a fullback and last year Loloani Visinia played there but really was almost a one dimensional battering ram, although a pretty effective one. Caleb Makene looked reasonably OK there and even though Kurt Baker is missing (thankfully a lot would say!) is missing we should be able to cover the spot with who we have. Maybe Gillies Kaka might be relocating back home as a very well travelled and experienced longshot? Is there any out of the HBHS juggernaught that is ready to step up? Could the forever hoped for return home of utlilty Baylin Sullivan see him slot in there?
Questions, many questions about the possibilities. -
I haven't spotted TBW around the club fields for Tech so guess he will be a non starter when it comes time for consideration (didn't he front up at East Coast last season?). We have a couple of promising loosies at Tech that would not look out of place but they are a year or so away from being ready.
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@Higgins Falcon has played a lot at fullback for us, in the past. He's a 10, but can easily slot in at the back. Exactly the same story for Makene. I'd love to have Gillies back for a final season; he's been good for us in the past and he may like another year in black and white before he retires. But I'm afraid it's going to be the not-to-be-named addition to your Tech squad who'll get that spot.
Unfortunately, I can't see Bailyn return, this year, and fullback is more spot for his little brother, who's also not likely to come back home this year. I hope Thompson will be very happy with his return by the end of the season, and will be a positive influence on his mate Zarn and the bro and that they will come back, next year.
I honestly don't have that many questions about this year's squad. If 38 of 40 have re-signed, Thompson is one of the newbies (makes it 39), then that leaves room for one more new signing and maybe one or two injury replacements. That's probably it, unless Bryn Evans or Martin decides to step down.
If Brendon O'Connor is the other player not returning (as rumoured), there will be plenty of cover in Solomone Funaki (the likely starter), Gareth Evans, Josh Kaifa and Will Tremain. No need now for a new openside flanker, I think. I think the next rookie loosie to be signed will be Cooper Flanders (possibly next season) or Tiaki Fabish as a lock/loosie.
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@Stargazer Is it Kurt Baker or Chase Tiatia the Bay have signed. Speaking to BOP people it appears Chase may be signing with Hawkes Bay.
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@Billsy111 said in Magpies 2022:
@Stargazer Is it Kurt Baker or Chase Tiatia the Bay have signed. Speaking to BOP people it appears Chase may be signing with Hawkes Bay.
Neither of those are really appealing, but if I have a choice I hope it's Tiatia, he can win games at NPC level.
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My prospects of a call up are looking slimmer each time @Stargazer posts on this thread as the available spots reduce daily. So much so that I have forked out for a season ticket in time to ensure I won't have to queue to get ahead of the 334 people expected in the walkup crowd buying tickets at the gate tomorrow for the first Ranfurly Shield defence of the season.
Will be taking my boots, jockstrap and mouthguard just in case though! -
Now confirmed: Chase Tiatia has signed with the Magpies.
I'm not happy about this, because I'm not convinced we couldn't have filled that spot with a good local instead of a journeyman from somewhere else, but I reserve the right to change my mind if he actually helps us win games (or not lose them), esp against of Plenty.
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@Stargazer Looks like @Billsy111 was on the ball with his prediction
@Billsy111 said in Magpies 2022:
@Stargazer Is it Kurt Baker or Chase Tiatia the Bay have signed. Speaking to BOP people it appears Chase may be signing with Hawkes Bay.
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@Higgins It was @Cpt-Kumera who posted the rumour in the BOP 2022 thread.
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@Stargazer Bugger off, better to give Billsy111 who is one of our guys the credit rather than one of theirs!
