Magpies 2023
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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.
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@Stargazer Surely there must be some sort of semi-decent prop at Manakau Rovers or some other club in Auckland that we could have coerced into become a Magpie? Still I suppose that it revolves around a club players full time work and family commitments over whether they want to relocate for a few months. Much easier I guess to get an existing full time professional player that has no qualms about moving for short periods as there will not be the same amount as disruption to their personal life when compared to the example I used above, even if you might get a more proficient player plying their trade at club level. The full time player does have the vast benefit of better fitness and endurance as well as the benefits of concerted work in the weight gym that the clubbie simply cannot find the time to achieve.
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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.
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@Higgins Here is Abra scoring a try against the Blues in 2022. (at 5mins 15secs)
@Daffy-Jaffy Any vids of him scrummaging?
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I saw a photo on IWL's instagram stories, this morning, and he was in hospital. Not sure what for. He was eating an icecream and had a bandage on his throat/side of his neck (I can't quite remember where).
@Stargazer I saw that photo aswell, his arm was in a sling.
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His right arm was in a sling for the Otago game
Yeah, I know his arm was in a sling. I saw that, too. This was yesterday, so I assume he's had surgery on his shoulder (or arm).
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Actually it was left I think. Not that it makes much difference
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IWL posted this on his instagram, yesterday, confirming he had shoulder surgery two weeks ago and that they've now taken the stitches out.
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@Stargazer said in Magpies 2023:
Fire sale before the season is even over.
There's actually good pricing but, I can't buy a jersey with that green shit down the side.
Also, pity they don't have a bucket hat. My doc says caps are a waste of time and I should be walking in a bucket cap.
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I've been thinking about who of our non-SR MAgpies have put their hands up for a SR spot.
I think Frank Lochore is our most improved player, but doubt he'll get a SR contract. Maybe a NDC with the Canes?
I still think Cridge is SR material, but for some reason NZ SR franchises will probably overlook him again, which is crazy with our small locking stocks in NZ.
I also think Tim Farrell would be good for SR, but with Tu'ungafasi signed (why, oh why?), he doesn't get the opportunities to show it. Not sure he'd want it either, but again, he'd be someone they could be looking for a NDC.
Obviously, we have some MaGpies who are off-contract, who need a new contract. McClutchie and Ili (on the top of my head).
It will be interesting to see whether Devery will still be with the Canes in 2024, after another NPC season on the sidelines. Kereru-Symes has played half of the season at prop, so I think that will have reduced his chances for a contract as a hooker.
Don't care about Tiatia. The Force can have and keep him.
