Moana Pasifika 2024

[Stargazer]

@Auckman Nadolo has retired from rugby and Seu is returning to Japan.

[mikey07]

Left field here Johnny May has around that number?? Unless it coaching staff.

[mikey07]

Sateki Latu for the Waratahs debutant.

[African Monkey]

@mikey07 I just automatically thought of John Afoa.

[Duluth]

Props: Abraham Pole, Donald Brighthouse, James Lay, Sateki Latu, Sekope Kepu, Suetena Asomua.

Hookers: Samiueka Moli, Sama Malolo, Tomasi Maka.

Locks: Irie Papuni, Ofa Tauatevalu, Samuel Slade, Tom Savage, Viliami Napa’a.

Loose forwards: Alamanda Motuga, Lotu Inisi, Miracle Faiilagi, Ola Tauelangi, Semisi Paea, Sione Havili Talitui, Solomone Funaki.

Halfbacks: Aisea Halo, Ereatara Enari, Jonathan Taumateine.

First-fives: Christian Lealiifano, William Havili.

Midfielders: D’Angelo Leuila, Fine Inisi, Henry Taefu, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Pepesana Patafilo.

Outside backs: Anzelo Tuitavuki, Danny Toala, Julian Savea, Neria Fomai, Nigel Ah Wong, Otumaka Mausia, Viliami Fine

[Canes4life]

No Lincoln McClutchie.

[Auckman]

@Stargazer said in Moana Pasifika 2024:

@Auckman Nadolo has retired from rugby and Seu is returning to Japan.

Yes I wasn’t too serious about this one lol

[mikey07]

@Canes4life Blues? I can’t see the Canes management being smart enough to sign him…would happily be wrong though

[Canes4life]

@mikey07 I don't think it's a case of them being smart enough, it's more having room for him. The damage was already done by Holland who signed Morgan on a multi year deal. If we take one less midfielder then there is room for McClutchie. Can't see that happening though.

[Kiwiwomble]

@Canes4life now thats interesting! arent the Saders light at 10?

[Bovidae]

There is quite a turnover of players compared to the 2023 squad.

[African Monkey]

Looks like Tom Savage is the Gloucester player. @MiketheSnow @Dodge or any other northern hemisphere rugby followers, could you tell us more about this guy? I don't know anything about him, despite the many years experience under his belt.

[Auckman]

@African-Monkey - YouTube says he did a big hit 7yrs ago

[Stargazer]

Comment from MP on their instagram:

Correction - Iakopo Mapu

Couldn't crack the HB squad, but was great in club rugby. Would be something if he's in the MP squad. He plays mostly at no. 8.

[Tim]

Did they lose tight five players to overseas contracts, or did they have a clean out?

[Bovidae]

MP needed to improve their scrum so I would assume the big changes at prop were to do just that. We'll see.

[Stargazer]

@Tim At the end of the 2023 season, there were reports that a large group of players didn't want to re-sign. So I assume many of these players hoped to get picked up by other franchises, or to sign overseas (if that didn't happen).

Obviously, the new coach may also have wanted to replace a few players.

[sparky]

They’ve lost most of their best players. I think it’s going to be a difficult season for them.

[taniwharugby]

I guess for MP being more of a mix of PI players, probably lacks a bit of identity, while the Drua are at least on the surface, a Fijian team.

[Nepia]

Why the fuck are MP signing an old englishman?

I don't think they should be allowed to waste their 20% on journeyman from overseas.