Blues 2024

[Daffy Jaffy]

King Maxwell also on an ndc with the Blues -
https://www.blues.rugby/blues-rugby-news/king-maxwell

[Duluth]

He (Maxwell) is one of six players who earned a National Development Contract (NDC) with the Blues this season alongside last year’s Scholarship winner – Xavi Taele.

Strange that the article doesn't name the other four NDC players. Have the Blues named them anywhere else?

[Daffy Jaffy]

Not announced, but we know Sam Hainsworth-Fa’aofo, Rico Simpson and Riley Williams are training with the squad. They may be ndc players? I also think I spotted Leo Gordon in some posts but not completely sure its him.

[Bovidae]

It's five NDCs per Super Rugby franchise, unless the Blues are paying for one out of their own pocket. The retainer is $17,500 gross for each player so not a lot of money.

[Daffy Jaffy]

There are also two young front rowers at training as well as Ben Ake. The one in orange i think may be Maliu Nuiafe -

The other next to him I don't recognize, he looks a bit like Ake but it is not him as they appear together briefly in the same video screen shot below (Far left and far right).

[Daffy Jaffy]

This post is deleted!

[Daffy Jaffy]

https://www.blues.rugby/blues-rugby-news/2024-captain

[Duluth]

Interesting. I would've gone with Papali'i

I guess it makes it easier to sub Dalton early and make more use of guys like Choat and Segner

[KiwiMurph]

I think it's a good move. Papalii's Blues form took a dip last year - let him focus on playing

[Daffy Jaffy]

Blues v Chiefs preseason -
4pm Feb 16th
Takapuna RFC - Onewa Domain
Tickets at the gate
Adults $10 & Kids under 14 free
Fans on field after game

[Tim]

@Duluth Hopefully Tuipulotu won't break his arm again.

[Tim]

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/new-blues-captain-patrick-tuipulotu-dalton-papalii-on-board-with-decision-says-coach-vern-cotter/BG5W2LQZSRA37K3NE2VHJJHX24/

[george33]

Dalton will be announced in time under Razor

[KiwiMurph]

@george33 said in Blues 2024:

Dalton will be announced in time under Razor

Lol

[Chris]

I found this interesting from Vern Cotter in the decision of Tuipulotu over Papalii

Cotter said the decision to reinstate Tuipulotu was a case of it being the best man for the job.
“Because he’s very clearly the leader of this group and has been before.

[Yeetyaah]

@george33 just like Roigard to the Chiefs eh

[Chris]

@Yeetyaah said in Blues 2024:

@george33 just like Roigard to the Chiefs eh

Ennor to the Highlanders ?

[Crazy Horse]

Come on guys he has the good oil at the time of posting. It's not his fault things change at the last minute.

[frugby]

Papalii is probably the third most likely openside to be made the captain...

[DaGrubster]

@Chris

He also said that Dalton was the caretaker captain for Patrick.

Both of those public statements together are a slap in the face for Dalts.

It could be a blessing in disguise for him. Just concentrate on playing and being the best 7 you can be and cement your place in the ABs xv