Blues 2019
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@Tim Tele'a could continue his development as a wing and sometimes midfielder next year.....Manu and Faiane can resume their winning combo at Super level.
Heard that Rieko is serious though about a move to centre post WC and has told the Blues as much so that would make things interesting. -
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@Tim said in Blues 2019:
@Nogusta Interesting stuff. I'd like to see us pick up a good kicking option on the wing too, especially if the player is also good in the air.
I know this is the Blues thread, but by god the Aucklanders kicked well last year. Kickers all over the backline and very effective at it. Blues could learn from that
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Peter Umaga-Jensen is one we could maybe target(I think he's off contract?). He's got plenty to learn about midfield defense, but he's young and has plenty of upside. What really appeals to me about him is the fact he can play fullback too - I remember him looking quite good there for Wellington a couple of years ago.
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Looking at some of the forward options, I'd assume that Waimana Riedlinger-Kapa will take one of the loose forward or lock positions. Is Olmstead still available? The other position is probably down to Havili or Choat?
Should be some decent competition for tighthead. Really interested to see Marco Fepulea'i compete with Renata in the NPC this year. Is Rob Cobb an option at tighthead, or is he more of a loosehead? What side does Isi Tu'ungafasi play? Siate Tokolahi might be available.
Unsigned locks include:
Josh Dickson
Pari Pari Parkinson
Jack Whetton
Jacob Pierce
Laghlan McWhannellCaird and Tucker were in the dev squad? Cameron Suafoa is another. Is Lemalu a possibility? There's also John Akau'ola-Laula down at Ta$man.
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@nzzp said in Blues 2019:
@Tim said in Blues 2019:
@Nogusta Interesting stuff. I'd like to see us pick up a good kicking option on the wing too, especially if the player is also good in the air.
I know this is the Blues thread, but by god the Aucklanders kicked well last year. Kickers all over the backline and very effective at it. Blues could learn from that
Maybe bring Tai Lavea in to have a hand with our backline in the future? He's pretty new to the pro ranks, so it might be a year too early for him, but the way he remolded that Auckland backline was pretty impressive. The backline was creative, skillful and very organized. I didn't think that was possible.
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@Chris Are you serious? He's awful, thank fuck Auckland got rid of him.
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@African-Monkey Yeah I am he's been good I hear with the Crusaders ( when he's gotten on the field and off it)and they Rate him not sure why he wasn't good with Auckland.Maybe the environment cause he has impressed in the Crusaders setup.
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@African-Monkey he grew as a player for NOrthland last year, scrummaging was poor at the start but got better as the season wore on and was a good ball carrier and defender.
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Cameron Suafoa is another
He played blindside last night and was one of the better performers. Waimana Reidlinger Kapa was very good at 8.
Suafoa is being courted by Canterbury and the Crusaders. They flying him down next week for a look around. -
@Chris If he's impressed, then why do they prefer that Sumner journeyman George Bower ahead of him? Wouldn't they invest in him a bit more and have him ahead of guys like Bower at the very least and maybe even competing with Harry Allan for a look in at LH? Even with Franks gone next year he's still gonna be miles down the pecking order.
This more or less belongs in the Crusaders thread but oh well haha.
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@African-Monkey Yeah it does They Like Bower as he played both sides of the Scrum.I think they see potential in Isi enough for a contract I am not 100% sure.But don't be surprised if they keep him.
