Hawke's Bay rugby 2018

[Stargazer]

I don't think it's possible to link to "stories" on instagram, so I've taken screen shots from a clip posted by Jorian Tangaere and tried to make one photo of it. It's not great, but it gives an idea of the current state of McLean Park:

[Stockcar86]

Nice new speedway track, just needs a poleline and a wall

[Number 10]

@stockcar86

Are you back in the Bay, yet, Stockcar86?

[Stockcar86]

@number-10 Not yet. Under contract for house down there, but need to sell up in Auckland first - house goes on the market next week, so hopefully fully cashed up within a few weeks, and back in The Bay before the NPC starts

[trooa]

Keep an eye out for Solomone Funaki, 6/7 moving down from BOP to have a crack. Steamers apprentice last year, making debut for MAC tomorrow.

[Number 10]

@trooa said in Hawke's Bay rugby 2018:

Keep an eye out for Solomone Funaki, 6/7 moving down from BOP to have a crack. Steamers apprentice last year, making debut for MAC tomorrow.

Where's his brother Setefano?

[Stargazer]

There's a webcam at McLean Park (real time):

[trooa]

@number-10 Northland.

[Stargazer]

Just read this edit in the USA Eagles squad announcement:

UPDATE 6/3: Tony Lamborn and David Tameilau replaced by Vili Toluta'u and Greg Peterson. 

I've tried to find out why Lamborn is out of the squad, but all I could find is that he's unavailable, and no reason why.
I have no idea whether he's planning to return to the Magpies this season, but - whatever the case may be - I hope hasn't suffered a serious injury.

[Stargazer]

Some dads of current Magpies in this clip (oh, and some other unforgettable names):

[Number 10]

Just two weeks later after kicking this late penalty goal to draw with Canterbury, Jarrod Cunningham kicked a late penalty goal to beat Taranaki 22-19. If he had missed, Hawke's Bay would have been relegated, a draw would have kept Taranaki up.

[Stargazer]

Does anyone know whether Nick Palmer will be a Magpie again in 2018? Or is Sam Ulufonua meant to become his replacement?

Palmer has played 4 games for the Waratahs and a number of club games this season and has been injured since late April/early May. He's expected to be available again end of July/early August. I don't know what kind of injury he had, but he was allowed to walk without crutches only since last week. So if he's still contracted to the Bay, he'll be quite undercooked when he arrives. Not a good thing, considering Cridge hasn't played any rugby either, as far as I know. I hope Allardice can stay in one piece this year.

Btw, I found this article about Palmer (published in Feb 2018).

Feb 14, 2018

Waratahs player Nick Palmer's Super Rugby road to recovery

A little over a year ago, the 26-year-old couldn't sit up because of a hamstring injury. He struggled to make himself a cup of coffee in the morning and had to stand straight-legged when using the toilet.

[Stargazer]

[Stargazer]

I just read on the website of Oyonnax that they haven't been able to retain Hika Elliott (after his first year of a 2-year contract). Partially because they were relegated to Pro D2, which has budgetary consequences, and partially because of the mandatory recruitment of at least 15 players that have come through French academies (was: 12) this upcoming season.

I haven't read anything about Hika retiring. I know he's back in the Bay, playing for Tamatea. Has anyone heard anything about his plans?

[Number 10]

@stargazer

I don't know his plans but I was a bit surprised to see him playing last week for Tamatea. Thought it must have been close to heading back for pre-season, which doesn't seem like is going to happen.

[Stargazer]

Very disappointing to us, but you can't blame the guy if this is true. Would have loved to have him at fullback this season; he'd be a great mentor to all our young backs and, especially, a great help to young Tiaan. Just wondering whether we'll ever see him back in black and white? He'll probably go overseas if he doesn't make the RWC squad next year.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=12088558

[Nepia]

@stargazer said in Hawke's Bay rugby 2018:

Very disappointing to us, but you can't blame the guy if this is true. Would have loved to have him at fullback this season; he'd be a great mentor to all our young backs and, especially, a great help to young Tiaan. Just wondering whether we'll ever see him back in black and white? He'll probably go overseas if he doesn't make the RWC squad next year.

Well, with this and the Crusaders he really is dead to me!

Nah, a couple of months of easier rugby might see him have a proper tilt at the 2019 RWC.

[Stargazer]

Haven't seen it from the man himself, or the HBRU, or Canon Eagles, but apparently Izzy has confirmed a stint in Japan. It is what it is; would have loved to have him in the squad this year, but he thoroughly deserves it.

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[Stargazer]

Ryan Tongia is out for the season. Said on his instagram that he needs a knee op.

[Higgins]

@stargazer Last I heard he was a Southland player, not a HB one.