Exodus

[Bovidae]

There seems to be less players hanging around for only a WTG spot than in recent years. Money talks.

[ARHS]

Would have thought both Judd and Finau were in line for injury cover call-ups. So Triple T and Lalomilo shorten their odds...

[Stargazer]

I don't remember him, but google tells me he's from Bay of Plenty and has been in the AB7s environment.

Rewita Biddle has signed with Atlanta in the MLR:

[Stargazer]

Among the players announced as returning to the Seattle Seawolves are Sam Matenga and AJ Alatimu.

SeawolvesRugby

Returning ‘Core Pod' Ready to Hunt Again in 2023

TUKWILA, WA – Back for a new hunt is a group of strong, dedicated talent returning to the pitch at Starfire Stadium in Tukwila. Building on the successes and learnings of 2022, this ‘Core Pod’ of the 2023 squad is united and focused on bringing home a third Major League Rugby (MLR) Shield in 2023....

[Stargazer]

Zion Going returning to Utah Warriors.

It still amazes me how many players get signed in the MLR who don't even play at NPC level.

[Bovidae]

Have many of the LA and Austin players moved to other MLR teams? I had a quick scan of their rosters, and there weren't too many NZ players affected. But there are some current USA players in their squads.

[Stargazer]

@Bovidae I haven't specifically noticed players from those teams moving to other teams (haven't really paid attention to it either), but I have noticed generally that some teams announced the departure of players to other teams for salary cap reasons, and that obviously is related to the LA and Austin issues.

[Stargazer]

Jamie Lane will also return to Utah Warriors.

https://www.warriorsrugby.com/news/five-warriors-poised-for-a-breakout-2023-season/

[Stargazer]

Hawke's Bay prop Joel Hintz has signed with NE Free Jacks in MLR.

Alex Graylin  /  Oct 28, 2022

Free Jacks sign Hawke's Bay Joel Hintz - New England Free Jacks

Quincy, MA — October 28, 2022 — The New England Free Jacks are excited to announce the signing of Kiwi prop Joel Hintz. Hailing from Wairarapa, NZ, Hintz attended St. […]

[Stargazer]

They're rolling in fast now, those announcements.

Ben Strang has signed with Atlanta.

[TheMojoman]

@MN5 said in Exodus:

@Stargazer said in Exodus:

Ma'a Nonu going back for another season with San Diego Legion in the MLR:

Even seeing him walking through town recently trying to look all small and inconspicuous with the hoodie up and at the age of 40 he still looks a better bet than any AB midfielder we have currently.

He’s one of the only guys I can think of that maxed out on every Rugby skill there is to have.

God I miss Ma’a…..

Absolute legend. 40 years old? Wow, good on him.

[muddyriver]

@Bovidae

Wider guys are on weekly contracts with no guarantees for pay.

[Duluth]

@muddyriver said in Exodus:

@Bovidae

Wider guys are on weekly contracts with no guarantees for pay.

Didn’t realise that

Do you know if it’s the same for every wider group player? For instance it would make sense for the Blues to have another specialist lock hang around the group.. would they ever give one guy a 3 month contract? Or is that not allowed?

[Steven Harris]

@Stargazer Zion was part of the Northland HP squad last year but was’nt selected when the final cut for the Taniwha came around so headed off to the MLR ,came back to club footy this year and looked a completely different player for his Mid Northern team who took out the Northland club comp this year .
You are right there many players who don’t play NPC that pick up contracts in the MLR , I have heard the level is similar to heartland rugby but that was a few years ago , since then the standard may have improved.

[Steven Harris]

@Duluth I have heard Liam Hallam Eames is heading off to the MLR
Sam Caird I believe is first cab of the rank if there is required injury cover or full cover in the Blues.
Allen Craig had a solid season for the Taniwha and we saw some added physicality but I do wonder if his height might be against him in the upside has a great work rate .

[Tim]

Any one know if Danny Drake is hanging around?

Wikipedia claims that Jacob Pierce is eligible for Japan, so he might stay there permanently.

[Bovidae]

@muddyriver said in Exodus:

@Bovidae

Wider guys are on weekly contracts with no guarantees for pay.

Any idea what a MLR contract is worth?

[muddyriver]

@Bovidae hard to say what guys like Maa get.

Lower level kiwi guys have said 15-25k usd

With all living costs paid for. Not huge wickets. Some guys would get maybe double that.

[frugby]

@Bovidae I've heard as much as 30k USD

[frugby]

@muddyriver You sure about this? I have heard NZR pay a pool of players to train full time in the case of injuries.