Looking forward to 2019...
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@Steven-Harris it’s good that these guys have come up to prove themselves in club rugby. Hopefully they play well.
Did Pisi Leilua play fullback or wing? -
NRU page needs to update it's current contracted players...
a few gaps there...particularly in the backs, assume Wiseguy will (or should) feature with us being light at 10 and outside back.
Have heard Northland have fielded approaches from alot of managers citing thier player wants to play for Northland, but Whitcombe has knocked those back who simply want a Northland contract and are not interested in trying to play thier way in via Club Footy (unless they are of Super or NZ U20 quality)
2019 Current Contracted Players
Props
Ross Wright (Wellsford)
Ropate Rinakama (Waipu)thought he was off?
Jack Straker (Kamo)
Isileli Tu'ungafasi (Mid Northern)
Boyd Wiggins (OBM)Hookers
Matt Moulds (Otamatea)
Jordan Olsen (Mid Northern)Locks
Josh Goodhue (Kamo)
Tom Robinson (Kerikeri)
Temo Mayanavanua (Waipu)
Sam CairdLoose Forward
Kano Jacobson (Kamo)
Jaycob Matiu (Hora Hora)
Sam McNamara (Waipu)
Aorangi Stokes (OBM)
Matt MatichHalfback
Sam Nock (Kerikeri)
Jono Kitto (Hikurangi)back to UKFirst Five
Jack Debreczeni
Dan HawkinsMidfield
Tamati Tua (Kamo)
Scott Gregory (Hikurangi)
Blake Hohaia (Kamo)
Matt Johnson?? Confirmed or just playing club footy and trying to play his way in?Outside Backs
Jone Macilai (Awanui)pulled out?
Jordan Hyland (Wellsford) -
@taniwharugby looking light on outside backs...with speed....
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@kev yep...assume Roberts-Te Nana will be back, I believe Matt Wright might still be available if required, but just couldnt commit to HP Squad?
Both Tamati and Scott are quick enough to play wing, so guess that adds to it, Wiseguy can play 15 too I believe?
Heard the HP Squad was up north over the weekend, doing some bonding and training stuff...sounded like it was an all weekend thing, but not sure how that would work with club footy in full swing?
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@taniwharugby looking through the club rugby reviews Cam gave Shelford Murray a good rap. So he is another to add to the mix. There is nothing like skilful player with pace. They always seem to have time - Jack Goodhue, Jared Payne. Hopefully some of this young talent makes their mark.
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Jordan Hyland has been called into Highlanders following Richard Buckmans injury.
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HP weekend away up at Puriri bay...doing some work for DOC by the looks
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Gutting to see him leave, but he has served Northland well, most Northland fans will no doubt feel he has had a bit of a raw deal at the Blues behind the legend that is James Parsons, but even so, now is a good time for him to go.
just wording in article, or has Moulds negotiated an early release from Northland? @Steven-Harris @Northlandallday
https://warriors.co.uk/2019/04/25/warriors-sign-blues-hooker-moulds/
Warriors have made Blues and Northland hooker Matt Moulds their seventh new signing for the 2019/20 season.
Moulds will become Warriors second signing from Super Rugby side Blues after wing Melani Nanai.
Moulds, 27, also plays for Northland alongside another new Warriors recruit, scrum-half Jono Kitto, and captained the province in the ITM Cup from 2015 to 2018.
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@taniwharugby The same media release also says this:
His strength and mobility have impressed Warriors Director of Rugby Alan Solomons who is looking forward to Moulds’ arrival at Sixways in time for the start of next season.
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@Stargazer yes I saw that too...he is/was signed for Northland for this season...which is why I queried if he been released given the crossover of M10 starting well before the start of the UK season, but finishing after.
I know Northland had been negotiating with another hooker, and also have heard Whitcombe rates the rookie hooker they bought into squad last year...Olsen will likely lead Northland this seaosn then.
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Good on Moulds for choosing to cash in. Don’t blame him at all. Can imagine his frustration at the Blues being stuck behind Parsons and Apasai. I scratch my head every time he’s left out of the 23. Yes, he has lineout problems, but I think he’s improved tenfold there from when he first started. Around the field he offers shitloads more than those other two.
All the best to him overseas, it’ll be good to hopefully see him back one day to finish his career in the Cambridge Blue.
As for the Northland front, I think we are well covered with Olsen. Hopefully Campbell Matthews comes through as a back up, or we manage to entice someone else with quality.
Who skippers now? As TR said, Olsen is a prime candidate. I’d also look at big red, Matich or even J Deb..
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@J77 Olsen was Captain last year in Moulds absence, so think he is obvious (although he might be on Canada's radar for RWC...)
Matich would be my other option.
Also heard that Moulds will not be considered a foreign player in UK due to heritage? so in theory, if makes the transition well enough (as others have) could play for England...?
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@taniwharugby
UK heritages? -
@Northlandallday heard one report say he is not listed as a foreign player, so have assumed that could also make him eligible for England?
“I’m really excited to start a new chapter in my rugby career with Worcester. My UK heritage is something I am very proud of, so to be able to live in the UK and play in the Gallagher Premiership at a great club with great people is an amazing opportunity for me. I’m really looking forward to working with everyone there,” said Moulds.
Moulds' signature completes Worcester's second successful raid of Super Rugby's Blues
Matt Moulds claims he is very proud of his UK heritage and his sealed move to Worcester will allow the Blues hooker the opportunity to strengthen those family connections.
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@J77 if Olsen gets called up to play for Canada I expect Ross Wright to be playing 2 for us, Matthews backing up and then someone else to be called in.
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@taniwharugby said in Looking forward to 2019...:
@J77 if Olsen gets called up to play for Canada I expect Ross Wright to be playing 2 for us, Matthews backing up and then someone else to be called in.
That could work! And he would also be a suitable captain. As would Matich and Goodhue.
Moulds qualifies for 🇮🇪 and 🏴.
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@J77 the Blues selection and development of players had been a shambles for years. Northland players struggle with selection with no one in the coaching and support staff. The Blues don’t rotate players despite being the worst performing franchise over many years. Too many of their 2nd and 3rd choice players never play but the first choice team is packed full of over rated players not performing that don’t compete for their place. Just really disappointed that Moulds hasn’t been given a real shot when the player in front of him is so average - deserved better.
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trial squads announced:
http://www.taniwha.co.nz/newsarticle/76791?newsfeedId=445143
copy and paste is a mess from thier site....
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Sykes was back playing for Kamo on the weekend, but not named in either trial team...huge opportunity for Levien and Pittman I think with Nock possibly out for a part or all of the M10 Cup season now.
