Blues 2023

[Stargazer]

Media release:

PEROFETA CELEBRATES OUTSTANDING SEASON WITH CONTRACT EXTENSION — Blues Rugby

Blues fans will be able to watch new-found favourite, Stephen Perofeta for at least another two years. The 25-year-old newly-minted All Black has extended his contract with the Blues until at least 2024. Perofeta was one of the stars of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season for the Blues, voted Play

[Dice]

With Beauden off contract next year, it's good to see Perofeta's signed beyond 2023. If Beauden bails after next season, we don't need to panic on who'll be our 10 in 2024.

[nzzp]

@Dice said in Blues 2022:

With Beauden off contract next year, it's good to see Perofeta's signed beyond 2023. If Beauden bails after next season, we don't need to panic on who'll be our 10 in 2024.

Zarn?

[Dice]

@nzzp said in Blues 2022:

@Dice said in Blues 2022:

With Beauden off contract next year, it's good to see Perofeta's signed beyond 2023. If Beauden bails after next season, we don't need to panic on who'll be our 10 in 2024.

Zarn?

He could be, but he's unproven as a 10. Needs to be playing 10 regularly to develop, but can't seem to get much time there for Auckland or the Blues.

With Plummer out, maybe he gets some game time there for Auckland this year.

[Kirwan]

@Dice said in Blues 2022:

@nzzp said in Blues 2022:

@Dice said in Blues 2022:

With Beauden off contract next year, it's good to see Perofeta's signed beyond 2023. If Beauden bails after next season, we don't need to panic on who'll be our 10 in 2024.

Zarn?

He could be, but he's unproven as a 10. Needs to be playing 10 regularly to develop, but can't seem to get much time there for Auckland or the Blues.

With Plummer out, maybe he gets some game time there for Auckland this year.

That may be Jock McKenzie too

[KiwiMurph]

@Kirwan or Hickey who Auckland have signed hides

[Kirwan]

[nzzp]

@Kirwan that's awesome. He's come on massively this year - his wide passing in particular is a thing of beauty

[taniwharugby]

@nzzp his soft skills are outstanding

[KiwiMurph]

Gun. Needs more chances in black.

[Stargazer]

Media release:

https://www.blues.rugby/blues-rugby-news/hoskins-re-signs-s7ljl

[KiwiMurph]

[KiwiMurph]

PAPALII JOINS ALL BLACKS TO EXTEND CONTRACT AT THE BLUES — Blues Rugby

Blues and All Black loose forward, Dalton Papalii has announced he will extend his time at the club to at least 2024. The 24-year-old enjoyed an outstanding 2022 season, leading the Blues to a 15-2 season, where they set new mark for wins, points scored and tries scored in a season. Papalii said h

[antipodean]

[KiwiMurph]

[Tim]

Vikena looks like a gun to me. Do you think that MacDonald, who can be rather conservative, will give him starts next season?

I think he could be an AB very soon, and should be looking to be the top dog at the Blues in 2023.

[TheMojoman]

@Tim said in Blues 2023:

Vikena looks like a gun to me. Do you think that MacDonald, who can be rather conservative, will give him starts next season?

I think he could be an AB very soon, and should be looking to be the top dog at the Blues in 2023.

Eklund should start the season (barring injury) as top hooker given his 2022 season. Just unfortunate he left his worst game for the final. But agree Vikena should get more starts given he’s had a couple of seasons of Super rugby under his belt. His set piece is good but is much more dynamic than Eklund with ball in hand.

[African Monkey]

@TheMojoman Eklund is quality with ball in hand so I can't agree there. Vikena's strength all round the park is his biggest asset imo.

[Duluth]

If MacDonald is promoted to the AB's - Coventry head coach? Halangahu & Afeaki stay as assistants.. maybe bring in another experienced assistant like Paul Feeney?

Who are the other options?

[Yeetyaah]

Hearing from a very reliable source that Ioane Afoa might be involved with Auckland and the Blues next year as he's finishing up in France. He's been to Blues HQ and chatted with the management.