Blues 2024

[Tim]

@Nogusta Ah, it's the Olympics next year.

[Stargazer]

There are rumours that Scarlets are interested in Plumtree.

[Canes4life]

@Tim maybe Tangitau to join Laidlaw?

[frugby]

@Chris said in Blues 2023:

@Tim

Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens Maybe heading to the Crusaders

My pick was the Chiefs, because I think Shaun Stevenson will either head offshore, join the NRL... or potentially even have a stab at 7s before he leaves? If JRK wants to play 15, that is a massive opening. Has just re-signed with Taranaki for two years, so all will be revealed soon.

@Canes4life said in Blues 2023:

@Tim maybe Tangitau to join Laidlaw?

Hard to imagine the Blues haven't locked up Tanigtau long-term, but once again, I'd be questioning the choices of pretty much any outside back, if they move to another team anywhere other than the Landers (Unless there is a fullback opening at the Chiefs). All the other teams are stacked with established players, and as Lam and JRK have shown, you just end up sitting in the stands.

[Chris]

Crusaders are talking to JRK as FB cover.

[Tim]

https://www.facebook.com/reel/964485911528027

Confirmed leaving: Hodgman, Laulala, Tucker, Plumtree, Robinson, Barrett, Tangitau, JRK.

[frugby]

@Chris Having wasted three years sitting on the Blues bench, I'd have no idea why he'd want to do that - sit behind Will Jordan. If that is the case, Fihaki would surely be leaving.

[Tim]

So we could be looking for as many as three locks, with Edward Annandale presumably one of them. Also could be after three props, which is a lot of turnover for the tight five.

[frugby]

@Tim Could be wrong, but Fusitua, Tu'ungafasi, Lay and Renata are all in theory back, so just three props... though tight five stocks are looking WEAK.

[Tim]

Wonder if we will see this XV at some stage next year:

1 Fusitua
2 Riccitelli
3 Tu'ungufasi
4 Darry
5 Tuipulotu
6 Suafoa
7 Papalii
8 Ioane
9 Nock
10 Perofeta
11 Clarke
12 Evans
13 Ioane
14 Telea
15 Sullivan

[Bones]

Any idea where Plummer is going? Please be highlanders

[Tim]

@Bones Plumtree is leaving, not Plummer.

[Chris]

@frugby
No Fihaki now seen as a wing option after his last few games not FB anymore.
Jordan will not play every game due to AB protocol and always has the Migraine issues to deal with.
JRK would get plenty of game time.
Not confirmed as yet.

[Bones]

@Tim knife through the heart

[frugby]

@Chris Easy to say, but having seen Patafilo, Naholo, Fihaki etc. be starved of minutes I'd be sceptical. If he isn't injured, Jordan starts 80% of the games next season you'd suggest. Doesn't leave many games to push a case for a spot on the wing or to just generally play FB.

[gt12]

@frugby said in Blues 2023:

@Chris Easy to say, but having seen Patafilo, Naholo, Fihaki etc. be starved of minutes I'd be sceptical. If he isn't injured, Jordan starts 80% of the games next season you'd suggest. Doesn't leave many games to push a case for a spot on the wing or to just generally play FB.

I would assume he would go there looking for a wing spot (and maybe some occasional games at FB)? If not the Saders, the Landers would be the only option and it seems no one wants to go there.

[frugby]

@Tim I thought Steven Harris said Evans was out of favour and was seeking an early release?

[taniwharugby]

@frugby from Auckland, not Blues, I know some Aucklanders dont get the distinction :fishing_pole:

[Chris]

@frugby
Ok we we see in time if Fihaki moves and were JRK goes won't we.

[Chris]

@gt12
Yeah LF has gone leaves Reece still recuperating from injury,Springer and Fihaki wing options for next season no FB cover behind Jordan as Havilli and Fihaki are not seen as FB options and Burke will start at First Five so they are looking for FB/wing cover.
Nanai will not be there next season.