Otago 2023
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@george33 said in Otago 2023:
@SouthernMann today do u mean Otago only still a way to go yet B4 Bunnings start
Yes. Pretty sure I have read the Otago squad will be named today.
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@Kiwiwomble ok
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@SouthernMann said in Otago 2023:
Key points from the article. No Josh Ioane. No Ray Nu'u. Likely to be Christian Lio-Willie's last year. Kieran McLea is probably the third halfback. Semisi Tupou-Ta’eiloa might be heading to Southland on loan. No one to come in from outside Otago.
Five or six new faces likely to be named in Otago squad
There could be up to a half a dozen surprises when the Otago NPC squad is named late next week. Well, surprises might be slightly overstating it....
Five or six new faces likely to be named in Otago squad
There could be up to a half a dozen surprises when the Otago NPC squad is named late next week.
Well, surprises might be slightly overstating it. But there will be some new faces.Otago Rugby Football Union chief executive Richard Kinley said there had been strong retention of players from last year which meant there were not a lot of open slots.
"There could be up to another five or six contracts still to be offered," he confirmed.
"There will also be another 10-11-12 players who will not be fully contracted, but will be brought into the squad to cover injuries and some of those players will get game time in the NPC this year."
The Otago players based in the United States are expected back, so the likes of hooker Henry Bell and halfback Kieran McClea will return for the NPC.
Crusaders No 8 Christian Lio-Willie’s playing contract has a year to run. He is a powerful ball-carrier and Otago will be hoping to get the best out of him.
Highlanders lock Josh Dickson is destined for Japan, but it is understood he will turn out for Otago before he departs the country.
First five Josh Ioane is not returning for personal reasons.
The one-game All Black struggled for form last season and was overtaken by Cameron Millar.
Midfielder Ray Nu’u is not returning, which could open up a spot for the likes of Josh Whaanga. The Taieri centre has impressed in his rookie premier grade season.
Otago wants to see robust Kaikorai loosie Semisi Tupou-Ta’eiloa in action during at NPC level and has been working with Southland "on where Semisi might be best placed to get some game time this year".
"That is a work in progress at the moment."
The youngster looks a keeper, so Otago will want to get the wording right on any loan agreement, if that is what is happening.
Last year, Wellington halfback Kemara Hauiti-Parapara and Waikato loose forward Rupeni Tamani were brought in to boost the squad.
However, Kinley said Otago was unlikely to go outside of the province to fill any perceived vacancies this season.
"I can say, at the moment, that we are not looking at anyone from outside the region. We’ve got some good depth coming through the community rugby programme, and also the trial game last week showed there is some good depth there.
"I think we’ll have a very competitive side, with the new talent coming through and the retention of some experienced players."
@george33 article I posted from last week saying the squad will be named this week.
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Millar is signed to the end of 2026.
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Yeah. Hoping the newbies are up to the challenge that do get named. I reckon newbies will be Ben Lopas, Reuben Palmer, Obey Samate, Oscar Schmidt-Uili. But that's my opinion on who's been playing well for a spot
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Really looking forward to Oscar getting a go. Asi also a chance to make a back three spot as well?
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Yeah, him too, Jermaine Pepe if they use him as an outside back considering hes played midfield for Uni all season. We are really low on outsides so could be a couple new ones there or just a lower amout of players announced in that position
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What about Joe Cooke. He seems quite strong, but apparently has Matt Saunders vibes in terms of pace.
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loving some of th local chat boys, been too many years just seeing the team run out for the first game and not knowing anything about any new guys
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Haven't lived in Dunedin for five years now. I just nerd out far too much on Otago Community rugby content, Paul Dwyer on the ODT, club pages and what ever else I can find
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Paul Dwyer is not a great source. He talks a lot about silly stuff
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@NateHill74 but he is there talking to people...thats more that can be found generally
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I don't think Joe Cooke will be in it. Moved to midfield this year as you said. Has as not much pace as some thought so trying to use his frame in the midfield but midfield I'd say is covered. He won't get picked
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Yeah, he does research sometimes as it's his job for odt, but he does talk a lot of crap sometimes imo
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@SouthernMann I wouldn't be surprised it it's Sunday after club rugby. Having one last look at players before confirming their squad
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Completely understand that PD talks shit. But he is the best cheerleader of Dunedin Club Rugby it has. Player interviews, round ups and insights into it. He fills a very useful position in the eco system.
