Magpies 2023
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@Higgins said in Magpies 2023:
@Stargazer What do we know about number 18 I. Salmon?
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@Chris-B It's an interesting signing. We seem to get our imports (other than coach's pets) via Moana Pasifika these days. What's Salmon's heritage? Could he be in line for (or chasing) an MP contract?
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@Stargazer Don't know for sure, but his second name is Arapata, so I guess Maori.
He's a decent signing - been pretty solid for us without kicking on to super rugby (a squaddie for the Blues for a season).
@Chris-B said in Magpies 2023:
(a squaddie for the Blues for a season)
He was always injured.
Interestingly, he was with the Blues the year before MacDonald came up from Ta$man. His old NPC coach didn't give him another chance
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Ere Enari, Neria Fomai and Danny Toala have made the Manu Samoa squad for the RWC.
Stacey Ili hasn't.
As Fomai was named in the Magpies, and Ili wasn't, would there be a chance that Ili gets Fomai's spot in the Magpies? I'd love to have him back. I'd prefer him over both Tiatia and Sapsford in the starting line-up.
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IWL's injury looked bad, tonight. Broken arm or collarbone? Dislocated shoulder? He looked like he was in a lot of pain.
Unfortunately, he may have played his one and only game of the season. That probably means that Lochore will become the preferred starting lock with Tom Parsons, and will get a lot of minutes.
It will be interesting who they see as the number 3 lock now, who'll get the bench spot. Will it be Morrison or Fabish? Probably not Tom Allen. I suspect it will be Morrison.
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Nothing about IWL's injury, but now the offical confirmation that Cridge is back in the squad!
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So with the Tongan RWC squad named, we're losing both Joe 'Apikotoa and Anzelo Tuitavuki. I assume wingers are more easily available than props. I wonder who will brought into the squad?
Looking at the props in the development squad, I'm not too sure any of them are ready or good enough for the step up. I'm slightly less worried about wingers.
I haven't spotted Stacey Ili in photos of training, yet. I really hope he'll be added to the squad.
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From a press release on the website of the Red Hurricanes Osaka (translated by Google), dated 20 August 2023:
We are pleased to announce that Kumitsu Shimada, who is enrolled in Red Hurricanes Osaka and is currently studying in New Zealand, has signed with HAWKE'S BAY RUGBY UNION and joined HAWKE'S BAY MAGPIES.
I can only assume that Jacob Devery is injured again? He's the only of our three hookers who hasn't played since the Counties game. Or is Kereru-Symes' move to LH prop and Rakete-Stones' move to TH permanent, because 'Apikotoa is going to the RWC?
It would have been nice if the HBRU had posted (and explained) this on their socials. I had the impression it was only for one or a few games.
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Great news:
And meh news, we now have our own no-name Aussie prop from the Western Force (24 years old, 12 caps in two seasons). I hope he's any good.:
@Stargazer said in Magpies 2023:
And meh news, we now have our own no-name Aussie prop from the Western Force (24 years old, 12 caps in two seasons). I hope he's any good.:
He is, presumably, Australian (even if his name indicates he might be a foreigner) and a bit part player from the Western Force that I cannot ever recall noticing so that might answer a few ponderings on his status. Still I will refrain from giving the official verdict until the time if he ever makes the field. I will be at the Development Team's game against the 'Poo at Park Island tomorrow so should be able to see him live for the first time if he is good enough to make their match day 23 and will report back on my observations.
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@Stargazer said in Magpies 2023:
And meh news, we now have our own no-name Aussie prop from the Western Force (24 years old, 12 caps in two seasons). I hope he's any good.:
He is, presumably, Australian (even if his name indicates he might be a foreigner) and a bit part player from the Western Force that I cannot ever recall noticing so that might answer a few ponderings on his status. Still I will refrain from giving the official verdict until the time if he ever makes the field. I will be at the Development Team's game against the 'Poo at Park Island tomorrow so should be able to see him live for the first time if he is good enough to make their match day 23 and will report back on my observations.
