Exodus 2018
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For the Chiefs in 2019, Verney and Aumua are still unknown quantities while Nankivell hasn't exactly shone either. I doubt McNicol will fully recover from his concussion problems. ALB needs to stay at centre and not be moved to accommodate Wainui. So a quality 2nd 5 is needed to replace Ngatai.
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@shadowtrooper said in Exodus 2018:
@billy-tell Yes I note they quote rugby as being a "business" hmm it makes you think doesn't it I can remember when people would play for the love of the game....makes me wonder how serious Jordie is about actually playing rugby as a career - not a career path
I wouldn't panic too much about any signals Jordie might be sending.
One thing he probably knows is how much Beauden (and Scott) is being paid. And since Beauden is the starting AB first five and Jordie is the reserve fullback - I'd guess Beaudy is getting a shitload more than the NZR would put on the table for Jordie.
Jordie's deal and negotiating position will likely strengthen markedly in the next 18 months when Ben Smith gets past the RWC. So he's smart to bide his time and wait for some NZR cash to be freed up post RWC.
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@gt12 Ha! Lowe is a centre/winger isn't he?
I'd be looking at the age group teams. Tanielu Tele'a looked very good until his suspension but maybe the Blues have him locked up. I like Bailyn Sullivan too although he's also a centre/winger. I don't watch enough NPC to know who else is around as a 2nd 5 option.
A player for the future is Quinn Tupaea, who is a specialist 2nd 5, but he is only a year out of school so I'll be interested to see him for Waikato, probably in combination with Sullivan.
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Heiden Bedwell-Curtis has signed with Japanese club Mitsubishi Dynaboars. The announcement was made on the same day as the (belated) announcement by Mitsubishi of the cancellation of Taufua's contract.
The Manawatu Turbos media release doesn't say anything about whether Bedwell-Curtis will be available for SR in 2019.
https://www.turbosrugby.co.nz/news/turbos-farewell-bedwell-curtis
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Augustine Pulu and Pauliasi Manu have signed with Hino Red Dolphins in Japan for the 2018/2019. This was announced by the club on Monday (30 July). I've seen no info about whether Pulu and Manu will return to the Blues next season.
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@stargazer You'd think that Manu would be gone for good with Tu'inukuafe signing. Would be suprised if Pulu was due to our lack of options at halfback unless we've signed someone that hasn't been announced yet? Wouldn't care if he was gone for good tbh.
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James Marshall won't play Mitre 10 Cup either. He has signed with Coca-Cola Red Sparks in Japan.
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@stargazer said in Exodus 2018:
Dan Pryor has signed with Munakata Sanix Blues for (at least) the 2018/19 Top League season. There's no information about whether he'll return to the Highlanders next season. I have no good info about the duration of his current Highlanders contract, so don't know when it expires.
Pryor's latest instagram post seems to suggest he won't return to the Landers.
Itβs been one hell of a ride! Came in skinny and going out skinny! Proud lander man, have met the greatest people along the way, made some unreal memories! Unfortunately shes time to drift on.. so if I was going to leave on any note it would be .. Up the tanis