Blues 2023

Tim

With Fusitua signed, and Tuipulotu returning, they may only need a hooker now (would rather not use Riccitelli)?

A young loose forward might force their way in? A tighthead to replace Renata? Maybe a halback or wing?

Chris

@Tim said in Blues 2023:

With Fusitua signed, and Tuipulotu returning, they may only need a hooker now (would rather not use Riccitelli)?

A young loose forward might force their way in? A tighthead to replace Renata? Maybe a halback or wing?

Or another TH if Laulau goes to France.

Duluth

@Tim said in Blues 2023:

With Fusitua signed, and Tuipulotu returning, they may only need a hooker now (would rather not use Riccitelli)?

A young loose forward might force their way in? A tighthead to replace Renata? Maybe a halback or wing?

I think Nock was on his last year of his deal. He tried to get an early release, so I suspect he’ll go somewhere else

It might be Milo-Harris to replace him. An improvement IMO

Tim

@Duluth What about Judd? Going ok for Harbour?

Tim

@Chris That rumour is for after the 2023 Super Rugby season.

Duluth

@Tim

Maybe. I assume Milo-Harris because he spent time with the Blues this year

taniwharugby

@Duluth I thought Nock re-signed an extension after all the talk of him supposedly asking for a release?

But right now LMH looks a better option at any rate.

Tim

Of course, we need a lock replacement for Romano too.

taniwharugby

@Tim could do worse than Hallam-Eames, top grafter there.

Tim

@taniwharugby How has Craig looked this year?

taniwharugby

@Tim gone better than I expected him to, has good skills and has been more physical too, but think hes still not there yet.

Duluth

@taniwharugby said in Blues 2023:

@Tim gone better than I expected him to, has good skills and has been more physical too, but think hes still not there yet.

Would still prefer to sign guys like him and Beehre

Tuipulotu and Darry with support from the loosie/locks (Robinson, Suafoa, Tucker, Plumtree) until the young guys are ready

taniwharugby

@Duluth I think they used him as a project player this year in the Blues didnt they, and TBH I think it has helped him.

Duluth

@Tim said in Blues 2023:

they may only need a hooker now (would rather not use Riccitelli)?

Hopefully they don’t keep Riccitelli

Who are the uncontracted hookers that are good enough for SR?

I was hoping BKP would be good enough but his Northland form doesn’t warrant selection

Maybe O’Reilly? He’s left the Canes but I don’t think it’s been announced where he is going.

ARHS

Moana u from Counties looks useful

Nepia

@Duluth Kereru-Symes has spent time training with the Blues in the past. Was on the up and up a few years back but got injured last year which saw a much less accomplished player in Jacob Devery get Super rugby games.

He's probably behind Thompson in the Magpies pecking order now but puts in a good shift on the park.

Daffy Jaffy

How is it that we have only 5 home games out of 14? I guess we gave up one to Melbourne but we did that last year also, seems a little unfair. Did we give another up to go to Fiji?