Blues 2024

gt12

I know you don't love him, but TUJ would be a good get to match with Rieko in a big midfield - we need @Stargazer here but I think he is off contract this year.

You could then bring along Grindley as a 13 and keep Evans as a utility.

Tim

@gt12 said in Blues 2024:

TUJ

His defence was shit last year, but I also have heard a rumour that he will not be in any NZ team for years.

Duluth

@Tim said in Blues 2024:

Midfield: Who is the best 12? Are their any young hotshots to sign? Is Heem done after this year? Will Plummer and Evans stick around? Who is the backup for Ioane? Difficulty here is that MacDonald was loath to play young players, so there are a lot of unknowns. Has Grindley got the skills? Can Evans force his way into the 23? AJ Lam has put in some really good hits this year, but looks like a wing adjusting to centre. How would Telea go in the midfield?

It's hard to know what the rankings are at 12. Heem was unavailable in the first week but he's basically been alternating with Plummer

The backs haven't clicked yet I do wonder if the loss of O'Halloran has had an impact there. Brown is a good replacement obviously but would've brought in his own ideas just as the season started

As for other options? Evans in the preseason did what he always does.. looks good but then makes errors particularly on defence. Gordon had a promising preseason but needs time at NPC level first

Grindlay is worth a look soon. I think he might have more success at 12 at SR level than 13.

I like the idea of Lam becoming a centre/wing he just needs more time.. probably needs a full NPC at 13

Bovidae

Unless Brown has returned to NZ he is now in SA.

Tim

@Duluth said in Blues 2024:

I like the idea of Lam becoming a centre/wing he just needs more time.. probably needs a full NPC at 13

Lam was putting in big hits.

george33

@Duluth Leo Gordon looks the goods as a 12 moving forward if Heem decides to hang up his boots , Gordon was impressive pre season and is waiting in the wings for his chance , needs good NPC under his belt first tho still a young man

george33

Patrick will most likely join the bench against Crusaders he's very close

Duluth

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cgrant

What about Che Clarke ?

Tim

@cgrant Guess it depends if he wants to stick with sevens.

Daffy Jaffy

Apparently the Blues are wearing the Heritage jersey for this weekends game -

Canes4life

@Daffy-Jaffy that's cool, I wish other teams brought out similar jerseys. Is there a heritage round at all?

Duluth

A few old faces visiting the Blues this week:

Duluth

Duluth

Cricket season means the Blues are always late getting games at Eden Park. They've had one home game so far but this weekend is the first game in Auckland

Because the Moana Pasifika game is now at EP the Blues play 7 of their remaining 10 matches at home

george33

So my contact is saying Beauden Barrett will play for the Blues THIS SEASON

African Monkey

@george33 Interesting, could slot straight into 10 as Perofeta hasn't looked overly comfortable so far this season.

nzzp

@African-Monkey said in Blues 2024:

@george33 Interesting, could slot straight into 10 as Perofeta hasn't looked overly comfortable so far this season.

I agree htat Perofeta hasn't looked good.. but i would take him or Ofa over Beaudy at 10 right now.

Canes4life

@george33 lol that would be bullshit. Does that mean we get Ardie back? Can’t see that happening at all.

Actually I wouldn’t mind if the Blues picked up Beaudy, he’ll just kick the ball away every time he gets a chance.

george33

@Canes4life Beauden is coming back that's my oil, unsure about Ardie don't no his contract details moving forward

The Silver Fern

Blues 2024