Blues 2019

Canes

@tim I don't know much about them but seeing as North Harbour are probably the most successful NPC team in Blues region and coaches are coming from there, they may want to bring people who they know a lot about to shore up a struggling backline

Tim

After a couple of rounds I'm liking the following from the Blues region:

Fukofuka - halfback
Tumua Manu - midfield (his brother looked ok too)
Hapakuki Moala-Liava'a - 6 and 8 cover
Sione Mafileo - tighthead prop
Sione Havili - openside backup

We need another halfback, midfielder, loosehead prop, and tighthead prop too.

I like Renata's work around the field, but he still needs to improve at the scrum.

Dice

@tim said in Blues 2019:

After a couple of rounds I'm liking the following from the Blues region:

Fukofuka - halfback
Tumua Manu - midfield (his brother looked ok too)
Hapakuki Moala-Liava'a - 6 and 8 cover
Sione Mafileo - tighthead prop
Sione Havili - openside backup

We need another halfback, midfielder, loosehead prop, and tighthead prop too.

I assume you mean Loketi Manu? They're actually not brothers. Loketi Manu is Tongan and Tumua is Samoan. It's easy to think that they're brothers though, as they look similar and play club rugby together.

Tim

@dice Aha! I'd just assumed it because they play in the midfield together for their club.

Dice

@tim Easy mistake. You're not the only one who thinks they're brothers.

Just thought I'd mention this randomly, but there is another Manu in the Auckland U19s. He's Nasi Manu's younger brother and he's already built like Nasi. He's one to keep an eye on.

Tim

@dice Isi Manu? I think Ant Strachan's boy is in that team too.

Dice

@tim Yup, that's him.

KiwiMurph

The squad also needs another decent winger.

Its very annoying Collins is in the squad for next year cos all he is doing is taking up a spot for a year and then pissing off to Europe. Awful signing. Again.

So the best Blues can hope for is having a decent winger in the wider Super squad. Rayasi has been very impressive so far but will probably be with the 7s. Perhaps Leon can lure someone from Ta$man/elsewhere.

Tim

@kiwimurph I'm still holding out for Stevenson.

Canes

@tim Fukofuka really stepping up

Nogusta

@dice said in Blues 2019:

@tim Yup, that's him.

Isi Manu is actually Pauliasi Manus younger brother. Played a lot of rep rugby league as a junior. The Warriors chased him hard but he decided to stay in rugby 👍

Nogusta

@kiwimurph said in Blues 2019:

@tim Tumua Manu has a good opportunity by playing 13 for Auckland. He started his Mitre 10 Cup season very well last week. Be interesting to see how he goes today.

Not sure how accurate the info is but I believe the Chiefs may have snapped him up.

Tim

@nogusta Classic Blues.

Dice

@nogusta Someone told me he was Nasi Manu's brother, damnit. It makes more sense that he's Pauliasi's brother.

Dice

@canes It's pretty outstanding that he's performing this well after being out so long with injury.

Canes

Yes, Manu, Rayasi, Nanai (young bloke from Counties), Fukofuka, Moala-Liava'a, Havili, Plummer, Stevenson, Mayhew (former Blues prop from NH), Mafileo and even Ranger?? should all be on the Blues radar

Canes

@dice Only gonna get better

Dice

I think Tamati Tua has not done himself any favors in getting another contract with the Blues today.

7 missed tackles at NPC level is not on.

Tim

Talea looked very promising for NZ U20, but is he going to be ready for Super Rugby starts next year? What position does he prefer?

Nogusta

@tim said in Blues 2019:

Talea looked very promising for NZ U20, but is he going to be ready for Super Rugby starts next year? What position does he prefer?

Tele'a has had a bit of an injury run this year. High ankle sprain playing for Blues A, hip and knee injury for NZ20s, aggravated the knee training with the Blues then hurt his shoulder in his comeback game vs BOP preseason. Match fitness will obviously be an issue if he gets a run with the Mitre 10 side.
Not sure if he'll be ready for starts next year. The fact hes on a draft would maybe indicate the Blues think so as well and will look to develop him slowly perhaps?
Hes probably played both 12 and 13 equally in recent times. Doesn't look to have the pace or the skillset to play wing.
His strengths i reckon would be his workrate, footwork pre-contact and offload ability through and post-contact.
Catch and pass is average at best which is a concern given that should be bread and butter for a midfielder.

The Silver Fern

Blues 2019