Blues 2019
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Probably the most disappointing thing this year was that the Blues didn't learn from Auckland's success and use several solid options for exits. Too much pressure on a mediocre halfbacks.
Auckland used Rayasi, Trainor, Nanai, Faiane, and even Manu, to supplement the halback and first five.
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@Tim said in Blues 2019:
Also got to throw a compliment out to Matt Matich. Thought he was effective off the bench this year. He was coming on at 7? Thought defence and ball carrying were both good.
Good player, better than Jed.
7 is his position at this level. I don't know if there's room for him next year though. I would pick Choat.
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@KiwiMurph said in Blues 2019:
Development player of the Year - Lemeki Namoa
I haven't seen him play.. Does anyone have an opinion on him? Does he look ready to step up to the full squad?
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@Duluth said in Blues 2019:
Lemeki Namoa
I have only seen him play once when his team Pakuranga beat my beloved Ponsonby earlier this season. He was a constant threat from fullback that day with his speed and step. He could also be dangerous on the wing. However I did not really study the details of his game so I hope he gets some game time for Auckland so we can assess him at that level. He hasn't played for Pak for a few weeks so I hope he is not injured or moved to another union?
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The Blues put this video up from the awards.. There's a small amount of footage of him playing at the end. Looks like he was used in the midfield
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@Duluth Primarily played wing, fullback and occasionally in the midfield whilst at school. Busy player who does the fundamentals very well, balanced runner with above average pace (was a regular at regional and national athletics meets in the 100, 200 & 400mts). His height or lack of has probably counted against him when the rep sides have been picked (NZ Schools/NZ20s) but cant fault his effort and energy on the field.
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Ok let me get my head around this the Blues have Plummer, Perofeta, and Black locked in for 2020.
They are trying to sign Barrett and now Parker if they sign one or two of those what happens to the other 3 or they carry 4 or 5 First Fives.
And before anyone suggests. Perofeata is a FB and Plummer can play 12. No they can't not to a decent enough standard in SR. -
@Chris I think it's measured gambles. No decent 10 is coming to the blues, we just wreck'em over and over again. So the strategy seems to be to sign a bunch of possible young players, and hope like hell that one turns out to be a Cruden, Sopoaga or similar.
I can understand it, but it rarely works. Still better than (trigger warning) Benji Marshall.
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I don't know why we can't stick with what we have. We have far bigger problems than 10.
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@nzzp Wow says everything are the Blues trying to select 29 First fives for next season hopefully One will do the job.
Young first Fives need confidence and time in the saddle to learn how to control a game and handle different defensive systems.
Pick one stick with him and back him.
