Blues 2023

[Tim]

@Duluth I would say 1.98 is minimum for a conventional lock. I thought Tuipulotu was 1.99 or 2.00?

Looks like Tuipulotu, Darry, and Tucker are the only specialist locks, while Robinson is listed as a loose forward/lock. Both Tuipulotu and Darry have been injured frequently, so I hope we have some good WTG locks. Robinson is guaranteed to be unavailable for a significant part of the season, going on the trends from every year of his career so far.

[Tim]

Wondering if Beehre and Drake will be the WTG locks?

[Duluth]

@Tim

Tuipulotu is 1.98 apparently. Same as Robinson. Tucker 1.97

Scott Barrett is 1.97 which isn’t an issue

Then there’s wingspan.. a more meaningful stat would be height with arms above the head etc etc

Power in the scrum might be more of an issue? Hard to know unless we get some Blues props posting here

[Duluth]

@Tim said in Blues 2023:

Wondering if Beehre and Drake will be the WTG locks?

Beehre looks like the future. Maybe Hallam-Eames as the next best slightly older guy?

[Tim]

@Duluth said in Blues 2023:

Power in the scrum

Yeah that is probably the biggest concern. Seemed to be shown up big time last year. Maybe Tuipulotu and Tucker are the best combination there?

[Tim]

@Duluth There's also a question over when Tele'a will be available after his late season ACL injury, so maybe they will have another player in the squad until then?

[Duluth]

@Tim

Maybe that will be Che Clark? @Nogusta hinted he would be in the squad

[Tim]

Would be good to see MP's team. There's a few loose forwards in the region who might get signed by them.

[Daffy Jaffy]

@Tim Someone on FB yesterday asked MP when the team will be announced. This was the reply -
our squad gets named in a few weeks. We definitely have some surprises for everyone from the Pacific Combine and can’t wait to introduce some of the gems we uncovered. Stay tuned! 👀

[Daffy Jaffy]

@Tim On the Blues Instagram about a week ago someone commented that they heard Beehre was off to Japan. That would be a shame if true.

[Tim]

Possible WTG members:

Jordan Lay
Sione Ahio
Paea
Langi

Kauika-Petersen

Hallam-Eames
Behree
Drake
Craig

Clark
Ekuasi
Peita
Sititi
McGahan
Frans
Melvin
Matich

Milo-Harris

Jock McKenzie

Tuitupou
Murray

[KiwiMurph]

@Tim I believe Peita has a multi year deal in the US.

[Daffy Jaffy]

@Tim I think Che Clark is a loose forward in xv's.

[Duluth]

@Daffy-Jaffy said in Blues 2023:

I think Che Clark is a loose forward in xv's.

That was my mistake.. I think I mixed him up with another 7’s player

[Tim]

I wonder which players from the region will end up at MP? Jordan Lay would be a good signing for them.

[taniwharugby]

@Tim Apoua was with them this year, but was out injured all season for us, so unsure if he was signed for just 1 sesson.

Jonah Mau'u could be an option in the loose, he was bloody good this season after a big off sesson, so potential is there if he was in a professional environment.

[Tim]

https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/2022/10/super-rugby-pacific-blues-coach-leon-macdonald-leaning-on-nrl-mastermind-ivan-cleary-in-2023-title-bid.html

[cgrant]

Hamish Dalzell would have been useful at lock.

[Mackerzzzz]

So best 23:?

1. A Hogman
2. K Ekland
3. O Tu'ungafasi
4. S Darry
5. P Tuitupou
6. A Ioane
7. D Papalii
8. H Sotutu
9. F Christie
10. B Barrett
11. C Clarke
12. R Tuivasa-Sheck
13. R Ioane
14. A Lam
15. S Perofeta

16. S Vikena
17. J Lay
18. N Laulala
19. T Robinson
20. A Segner
21. T Funaki
22. Z Sullivan
23. M Telea

[Crazy Horse]

@Mackerzzzz said in Blues 2023:

So best 23:?

1. A Hogman

2. K Ekland

3. O Tu'ungafasi

4. S Darry

5. P Tuitupou

6. A Ioane

7. D Papalii

8. H Sotutu

9. F Christie

10. B Barrett

11. C Clarke

12. R Tuivasa-Sheck

13. R Ioane

14. A Lam

15. S Perofeta

16. S Vikena

17. J Lay

18. N Laulala

19. T Robinson

20. A Segner

21. T Funaki

22. Z Sullivan

23. M Telea

You could be right, but it will be disappointing if Sullivan is used more from the bench.