Blues 2024

[KiwiMurph]

I think it's a good time to move on from Coventry.

He's a good coach who has done a good job but I think it's time for a new voice which naturally happens - it's been 5 years or so.

Blues forwards got destroyed in some big games in the last couple of years so it will be interesting to see what Cotter can do with the pack.

Similarly with the attack Blues could really use a fresh approach.

The challenge for Cotter will be where does the leadership come from - for all the great work Leon did with the culture when push came to shove there was a lack of direction/resolve etc especially in the years without Romano (Leon even admitted Romano being a gigantic loss in that sense).

[Duluth]

[george33]

R Blues Fans hearing and seeing what I am on new signing

[Duluth]

@george33 said in Blues 2024:

R Blues Fans hearing and seeing what I am on new signing

No idea

You might as well just say it. At least a hint?

[george33]

Chiefs Lock

[Duluth]

@george33

I'll assume that's McWhannell because it's been mentioned they were chasing him

That would be a good pickup

[george33]

Ah Kuoi I'm hearing

[gt12]

@george33 said in Blues 2024:

Ah Kuoi I'm hearing

With Finau at the Chiefs, I can see why he might move.

[Bovidae]

We'll give you MSR.

[Tim]

@george33 Seems like a double up with Suafoa. Good player, but we'd be better served by a tall lock.

[Duluth]

@Tim said in Blues 2024:

@george33 Seems like a double up with Suafoa. Good player, but we'd be better served by a tall lock.

Does a similar role to a couple of the leaving guys - Robinson & Tucker

[frugby]

This post is deleted!

[Nogusta]

@george33 McWhanell

[Tim]

@Nogusta Nice. Good addition if he stays fit. Will they sign a local like Beehre or Craig too?

[Tim]

How the forwards squad is shaping up:

Josh Fusitua
Marcel Renata
Ofa Tuʻungafasi
James Lay - may go to MP?
Loosehead - Finlay Brewis?
Tighthead - Tevita Mafileo?

Kurt Eklund
Ricky Riccitelli
Soane Vikena

Patrick Tuipulotu
Sam Darry
Edward Annandale
Laghlan McWhannell

Cameron Suafoa

Adrian Choat
Akira Ioane
Dalton Papalii
Rob Rush
Anton Segner
Hoskins Sotutu
Loose forward - Che Clark?

[Tim]

ASM Rugby

Arrived from New Zealand at the age of 18 through Isaia Toeava, whose nephew he is, Edward integrated perfectly into the Clermont training center before establishing himself as one of the beams of the Espoirs pack. Endowed with an impressive physique and a mobility which is just as impressive, he nibbles, whenever he has the opportunity, precious minutes of play which contribute to his learning of the high level. At 22, he has a dozen game sheets in Yellow and Blue.

[Daffy Jaffy]

@Tim Delete Robinson, otherwise must be close. If Lay goes I hope they take a chance on Soane Ahio. I rate him and am a bit scared he will have a storming NPC and disappear south if we don't pick him.

[frugby]

Lay wasn't in the leaving video, so presumably is staying?

[Tim]

@Daffy-Jaffy said in Blues 2024:

If Lay goes I hope they take a chance on Soane Ahio. I rate him and am a bit scared he will have a storming NPC and disappear south if we don't pick him.

I am really looking forward to watching him in the NPC this year. Auckland should make a good run at the title.

[Daffy Jaffy]

@Tim I just hope the new Auckland coaching group will trust the young players to step up. Seeing Kalapu and Ekuasi this season looking comfortable at super level for Aussie teams when Alama gave Kalapu away and refused to give Ekuasi game time in favour of Journeymen Oz imports, was hugely frustrating.