Blues 2021

[Machpants]

@taniwharugby said in Blues 2021:

@Tim is that another that mentions the Vunipolas, Tuilagi, Piutau, Aki etc?

Bet they will be keen for huge pay decreases and aside from Piutau, being unavailable for Eng/Ireland.

So true, just ridiculous. I could see them want to come over next season, as probably more fun than playing in the Championship, and back in time for internationals like Marchant. But they're not going to hang around. I hope, if it is a Pasifika side, you are ineligible to play for the ABs if in it - it will make it more a 'foreign' side as it should be in Fiji or similar

[Tim]

Any rumours about signings? Hooker, midfield, back three, halfback, first five, prop?

[nzzp]

@Tim not me yet, not a whisper. Guess the boots are properly hung up

Seriously though, would love to hear some good news ... contractign could be fun in the new SRA world. Only 4 home games ... I don't konw why 5+5 with Aus doesn't work home and away (assuming we don't lock borders again)

[taniwharugby]

@Tim said in Blues 2021:

first five

Blues could get Hawkins, bundle it up in with an Auckland contract

[Nogusta]

@Tim said in Blues 2021:

Any rumours about signings? prop?

Nepo Laulala ?

[Tim]

@Nogusta Now that would be some depth!

[Nogusta]

@Tim that probably confirms Lindenmuth won't be there next year as well as Mafileo

[African Monkey]

@Nogusta seriously? Can't say we really need him do we?

[Bovidae]

Ta'avao would make more sense for the Blues. He lives in Auckland and is best suited as a reserve. Laulala is a starting prop.

[trodthesod]

With the signing of Dillon Hunt ,and Nepo Laulala if correct it would seem likely a loosie and a front rower will be surplus.A few guys injured from last seasons group have recovered so not many gaps in the backs .Just Joe Marchant it seems will be missing.

[KiwiMurph]

@trodthesod Duffie gone too

[trodthesod]

And Beauden Barrett of course.

[African Monkey]

So who is likely to play fullback next year? I assume Perofeta is back but he's always injured. We don't have anyone there atm.

[KiwiMurph]

Narawa is another fullback option - to me he looks more comfortable at fullback than wing.

[Duluth]

Fullbacks this year were - Perofeta, Barrett & Duffie

Only Perofeta in 2021. Page and Narawa the other options? Heighton maybe?

There's not many unsigned fullbacks I can think of? Trainor is not playing well

[Chris]

@Duluth said in Blues 2021:

Fullbacks this year were - Perofeta, Barrett & Duffie

Only Perofeta in 2021. Page and Narawa the other options? Heighton maybe?

There's not many unsigned fullbacks I can think of? Trainor is not playing well

Perofeta if Fit would be your best choice in my opinion he has good vision, pace and a decent boot on him defends well.

[Duluth]

@Chris

Yeah, he's easily the starter. He was in good form there before the injury. A much better fullback than 10

The cover is interesting though as it looks like they'll be inexperienced. Regardless we are better off than we we had Collins starting

[Chris]

@Duluth said in Blues 2021:

@Chris

Yeah, he's easily the starter. He was in good form there before the injury. A much better fullback than 10

The cover is interesting though as it looks like they'll be inexperienced. Regardless we are better off than we we had Collins starting

You still have to replace BB and Marchant plus Duffie there maybe another FB on the radar.

[Duluth]

@Chris said in Blues 2021:

You still have to replace BB and Marchant plus Duffie there maybe another FB on the radar.

I'd be happy with:

BB Carter (still have Black, Plummer, Perofeta)
Marchant AJ Lam (plus a fit again Tele'a)

The Duffie spot should be a specialist fullback. No idea who

I assume Page and Heighton are still in the squad

[Tim]

Tei Walden is off contract, and may be good midfield cover?