Blues 2021
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@KiwiMurph Not good to hear that his head injury is still causing issues. Sounds very much like Reggie Goodes, James Broadhurst etc.
I really rate his rugby commentary. It will be interesting to hear what he'll do after retirement.
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@Stargazer Yeah it's a weird one as Eklund was originally in there as replacing Vikena who is out injured for the year.
You've also got Ray Niuia injured currently hence why Tolai and Apisai are training with the Blues at the moment.
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@KiwiMurph said in Blues 2021:
Parsons has retired
James Parsons announces his retirement from all rugby
Blues and North Harbour centurion James Parsons has today announced that he has decided to retire from all rugby.
That's a shame. He cops a lot of stick on here, but he's been a great team man and more than a handy player.
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A good servant for us over the years. All the best to him in retirement.
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@Kirwan said in Blues 2021:
@KiwiMurph said in Blues 2021:
Parsons has retired
James Parsons announces his retirement from all rugby
Blues and North Harbour centurion James Parsons has today announced that he has decided to retire from all rugby.
That's a shame. He cops a lot of stick on here, but he's been a great team man and more than a handy player.
My issues were more with the Blues than Parsons himself. For many years Parsons was rolled out as the unquestioned starter, playing huge minutes, and there was little to no development plan behind him. That has improved since Leon has become head coach and some other options have been identified (e.g. Eklund, Tolai, Vikena).
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End of a wonderful career.Always a leader and his knowledge of the game undeniable.Congratulations ,as you once said”if I am part of the problem,I want to be part of the solution”I think at the Blues you have been part of the solution.
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@Kirwan wasnt his fault he kept getting selected and then used as a battering ram ball carrier
I was critical of his ability at that level (as a starter) but was never any question about his work rate or dedication to the team!
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@taniwharugby said in Blues 2021:
@Kirwan wasnt his fault he kept getting selected and then used as a battering ram ball carrier
I was critical of his ability at that level (as a starter) but was never any question about his work rate or dedication to the team!
Yep, wasn't a dig at the critics, as you say he was a crucial part of the team. It's a shame he didn't get to choose when to retire.
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@taniwharugby..just checking to see who is the next cab off the rack
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@Steven-Harris Leni Apisai is training with the team, so I guess he's third hooker. Hope his throwing has improved. There's the young guy from Hawkes Bay who might be available. How about Olsen?
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@Tim It would be great if Kereru-Symes got a chance, even if he has a queue in front of him. He suffers from being stuck behind Ash Dixon in the Magpies squad, but he was one of the few players who performed well in the NZ U20s team that he captained. Parsons rated him when he replaced him in the squad, last year. Turns 22 end of Feb.
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@Tim said in Blues 2021:
Leni Apisai is training with the team, so I guess he's third hooker. Hope his throwing has improved.
You'd assume so. They've had plenty of hookers at training so I can't see them going outside that group. I doubt the Parsons call was a surprise..
So Eklund, Tolai and Apisai?
When are full squad members Niuia or Vikena meant to be over their injuries?
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Not sure whether anyone has already posted this, but here's a link to the headshots:
Didn't realise George Dyer was in the wtg and players I don't know or remember are Fatongia Paea, Teague McElroy and Marco Fepulea'i.
