Blues 2024

[SBW1]

Are any of the Kiwi sides likely to poach some of the Kiwis turning out for some of the Aussie franchises, for next season? It has happened in the past.

[KiwiMurph]

@Duluth Leo Gordon or Essendon Tuitupou could be the young midfield option

[Stargazer]

@SBW1 You should first ask the question, whether any of them is off-contract. The next question is, are they worth poaching.

Already signed for next SR season by their current franchises are Ekuasi Vaiolini, Ollie Sapsford, Tamati Tua, Chase Tiatia, Jack Debreczeni and Sefo Kautai.

I think that leaves Taleni Seu, Manasa Mataele and maybe Stacey Ili (not counting players like Charlie Gamble). I'd sign Ili in a heartbeat, but I'm wearing a black & white eye patch. :winking_face:

[george33]

@KiwiMurph Leo Gordan has big chance

[Tim]

Felix Kalapu is another playing for an Australian team (Force).

[Steven Harris]

@Tim If the info I have received is correct I will be curious to see how Brazilian prop Wilton Rebolo goes for Northland in the upcoming NPC , Rebolo who is 27 plays tight head , has a reputation as a destructive scrummager , he can also slip into hooker if required
Definitely an unknown quantity he did played for New York in the 2022 MLR keeping Kalolo Tuiloma on the bench through the finals
Was signed by the Western Force before the 2023 but never featured during the season

[Tim]

Development Player of the Year - Byron Smith
Community Player of the Year - Joshua Fusitu’a
Team Toa Player of the Year - Rob Rush
Mahi Man - Ricky Riccitelli
Keven Mealamu medal - Ash Draper
Back of the Year - Bryce Heem
Forward of the Year - Adrian Choat
Players Player of the Year - Mark Telea
Player of the Year - Mark Telea

[Tim]

Byron Smith was an NZ U19 and Blues U20 first five.

[Steven Harris]

@Tim thought Adrian Choat was very good , I’m a little biased though

[Bovidae]

@Steven-Harris said in Blues 2023:

Was signed by the Western Force before the 2023 but never featured during the season

Rebelo was a late injury replacement starter against the Chiefs (played 64 mins). I remember he conceded at least one scrum penalty.

[george33]

@Steven-Harris totally agree my blues player of year

[Nogusta]

@Chris said in Blues 2023:

@Tim

Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens Maybe heading to the Crusaders

Signed with the Landers

[Chris]

@Nogusta
Cheers was one or the other.

[Nogusta]

@Chris and I believe Plumtree may be joining his old man at the Sharks

[Chris]

@Nogusta

Makes sense thanks mate

[Daffy Jaffy]

22 year old Tiaan Tauakipulu, former St Kents and NZ schoolboys prop is leaving the Waratahs, but don't know where he is going. I think he was injured allot during his 3 seasons with the Tahs. I don't know much about him but maybe a front row prospect if he wants to return home.

[African Monkey]

@Nogusta Good move. As was pointed out, going to the Crusaders is a waste of time for him as he'd be doing the same as what he was doing at the Blues.

Good luck to him.

[george33]

Mark Talea signed 2 more years

[Bovidae]

When is the new coach going to be announced? I would assume that the players must know and take this into consideration when deciding to re-sign or not.

[Duluth]

@Bovidae said in Blues 2023:

When is the new coach going to be announced? I would assume that the players must know and take this into consideration when deciding to re-sign or not.

Also who is making the decision on who to sign?

Annandale is an unusual signing that maybe points to Cotter or Jono Gibbes? Gibbes was apparently going to be Rennies assistant coach if he took the Blues job

This was interesting speculation in the Manawatu Standard regarding the Blues job:

We hear former Turbos coach Dave Rennie could have taken up the Blues coaching job had he wanted it, although he'd earlier committed himself to Kobe Steelers in Japan.

There he'll be joined by Manawatu's NZ under-20s' forwards coach Wesley Clarke as defence coach for two years.

The Blues position comes under the most heat because of the proximity of the national media outlets. Even tough diamond Frank Oliver couldn't wait to get out of the place because of the scrutiny.

Vern Cotter might pick up that job. Another former Manawatū coach, Jason O'Halloran, is back from Japan and was attack coach with Cotter with Scotland. Maybe he would be a fit up there.