Blues 2021
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@Tim yea I think he signed a 2 year deal. Can confirm Vikena
is signed as well on a draft contract. Not sure if 100% true but apparently Alama Ieremias approached Tom Coventry/Blues about somehow 'un'contracting Vikena for some reason. One of the many reasons why he's (AI) offside with some of the players.
Also - I believe AJ Lam has agreed to terms with the Blues (2 year deal). -
@KiwiMurph that's harsh. I thought he was good for the Blues this year.
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@Canes4life said in Blues 2021:
@KiwiMurph that's harsh. I thought he was good for the Blues this year.
I agree. Eklund should be the Blues starting hooker. I would personally prefer it if Parsons retired with his concussion problems and moved into media where I find him really enjoyable.
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@KiwiMurph said in Blues 2021:
@Canes4life said in Blues 2021:
@KiwiMurph that's harsh. I thought he was good for the Blues this year.
I agree. Eklund should be the Blues starting hooker. I would personally prefer it if Parsons retired with his concussion problems and moved into media where I find him really enjoyable.
He's really good, I enjoy that rugbypass podcast as you get a better look at what might be going on, and he's pretty fair in his assessments. The older guys (Marshall etc) are too far from the current style of play to be able to offer that type of analysis.
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@KiwiMurph yeah I admittedly have been fairly harsh on the guy as a player but his role with Rugby Pass has suited him well. I really enjoyed the story about him on the All Blacks bus.
How long does he have left on his contract?
I wonder if another team has their sights on Eklund, apart from the Canes who are obviously well resourced in that area.
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@Nogusta At only 19 years old is Vikena's "draft contract" like the wtg contract or some kind of apprentiship deal? If so that would still allow 3 full squad choices (Parsons, Niuia, then either Ekland or Tolai?). After training full time with All Black front rowers for two seasons Vikena should then be primed and ready to replace Parsons for 2022. Maybe Ieremia had him in his sights for Moana Pasifika 2022?
Pleased with the Lam signing. If they did not pick him up they would surely have been playing against him. I guess he is in for Hyland though he is also useful in the centres. The Blues only carried 4 specialist midfeilders last season and Tele'a was injured for most of it, so they they need to replace Marchant and pick an extra to back up at 12 for Faiane so they don't run him into the ground again. Tamati Tua trained with the team this year and is playing well right now but my concern with him is he seems to be forever injured. Would be great to get Michael Little back from Japan (his brother has had some good moments for Harbour this season). The more I see of Plummer at 10 the more I think he may be best suited to 12. I also like James Tofa from the Turbos as a midfield option, he covers most backline positions and kicks goals. I imagine the Canes will pick him up if they have space for a utility. I think he has been in their development team. I had wondered previously if Inga Finau was lured north by Auckland/Blues with the idea of pushing for Marcant's Blues spot. However he has not had enough game time to push his case. I think only the one start against Harbour. Jack Heighton was promoted to full Blues squad member last season when Tele'a was injured but never played. I noticed he played 12 for Harbour recently but i've honestly never seen him play so can't comment on his potential or best position. -
@Daffy-Jaffy Plummer looks like the go at 12 to play backupto Faiane. Not a huge fan of him at 12 as he looks completely lost there defensively which is understandable as he has barely played there in his life, but yeah, it takes a while to learn the position and he has a lot to work on if he's to succeed there.
I'd rther we signed a specialist backup 12 personally.
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@Daffy-Jaffy yeah Tua is showing a bit more maturity in games this year, he has plenty of pace, and is a good prospect, but I'd be surprised if he goes more than a WTG/Dev at this point.
He is still only 22 so be good if he gets a shot to develop further.
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@Daffy-Jaffy said in Blues 2021:
@Nogusta At only 19 years old is Vikena's "draft contract" like the wtg contract or some kind of apprentiship deal? If so that would still allow 3 full squad choices (Parsons, Niuia, then either Ekland or Tolai?). After training full time with All Black front rowers for two seasons Vikena should then be primed and ready to replace Parsons for 2022. Maybe Ieremia had him in his sights for Moana Pasifika 2022?
I also like James Tofa from the Turbos as a midfield option, he covers most backline positions and kicks goals. I imagine the Canes will pick him up if they have space for a utility. I think he has been in their development team.I wasn’t aware that he was the would be great pick up for the Canes very much in a Laumape mould with hard running I must admit haven’t seen him kick goals.
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The squad is looking pretty full - I thought that Lolagi Visinia might be in line for a return to the Blues, but maybe not enough room
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@Number-10 Here is an interesting Stuff read about him - He signed a 3 year deal with the Eels in 2017.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/122858986/mitre-10-cup-rising-stars-jacob-ratumaitavukikneepkens-laps-up-ranfurly-shield-win -
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@Yeetyaah said in Blues 2021:
FFS the Blues don't need any more outside back talent.
Well from the sounds of @Daffy-Jaffy's article signing a contract doesn't confirm he'll turn up at any rate.
Must admit I've been slightly disappointed with him in the Magpies v Naki matches - by disappointed I mean happy.
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@Tim Last season they carried 5 locks and 8 loosies. So presuming they keep that balance and that Hunt replaces Lamborn and Darry - Tucker, that means both Carrol and W.K's spots should be available. They seemed to like Carrols efforts after his late inclusion last season. He often covered 6/lock on the bench and even started at 6 vs the Canes I think. Papalii's preference for playing 7 should leave a spot for W-K, or another blindside. Unless they now see Papalii as a 6. That leaves Choat unlucky, WTG or elsewhere. He deserves a spot somewhere though. Of course Lamborn could also still be in contention for a 7/6 spot?
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Had it confirmed to me last night that Zarn Sullivan has been signed by the Blues ,.
