Blues 2020

Bones

@nzzp I think GCT is still going at the (good) level he was at the last year or so, just everyone else has stepped up and therefore he looks even better.

Tim

https://www.theroar.com.au/2020/08/03/aussie-abroad-daniel-halangahu/

Tim

Without any Barretts next year, the fullback situation is a little clearer.

Within squad:

Perofeta (good but frequently injured)
Page (haven't seen him play)
Narawa (green)

Within region and unsigned:

Trainor

Off contract at other franchises:

Alaimalo (frequently injured)
Nanai-Seturo (NPC quality)

Time for Lemeki Namoa to be NPC rookie of the year?

nzzp

@Tim wasn't Nanai-Seturo talked up as The Next Big Thing?

KiwiMurph

Zarn Sullivan has been playing a bit of fullback hasn't he.

Tim

@KiwiMurph Good call, think he played there for Blues A this year in one game.

Tim

@nzzp Yep, and was in the middle of the NZR/Warriors tug of war.

Machpants

@Tim Better at 7s

Tim

@Machpants Is he actually good at sevens? I haven't noticed a great deal from him when I've watched.

Bovidae

Nanai-Seturo only turns 21 later this month, so still a kid. But he won't be moving north.

Machpants

@Tim said in Blues 2020:

@Machpants Is he actually good at sevens? I haven't noticed a great deal from him when I've watched.

As mentioned, a kid. Lacks in game maturity, but when he goes he goes. Flashes of brilliance in need of experience

Dice

I think Nanai-Seturo is a much better fullback than wing. He looks class at fullback for Counties, but he'll find it hard to get game time at FB for the Chiefs with DMac around.

Colin Cooper did say that they were just putting him on the wing to start his career, and then they were looking to eventually move him to fullback, but Cooper's gone now.

Stargazer

nzzp

@Stargazer wow, that's a surprise

Duluth

I wonder who he is replacing? Probably Tucker or Carroll?

KiwiMurph

Just another sign that the Blues have turned things around.

No way this type of signing happens 2 years ago.

nzzp

@KiwiMurph said in Blues 2020:

No way this type of signing happens 2 years ago.

Spot on,

success breeds success. Also, did you see this from Hore:
Blues CEO Andrew Hore said ... the first of what he expects will be several significant signings over the coming weeks.

Hooroo

@KiwiMurph said in Blues 2020:

Just another sign that the Blues have turned things around.

No way this type of signing happens 2 years ago.

Exactly what I was thinking. Confirmation corner has well and truly been turned.

You won't win Super Rugby this year but it is going to make for a great comp next season.

nzzp

also, great outreach for the fans. I keep getting invites to ballot into going to the Captains Run the day before games. Not usually able to go, but it's a great way to support young season ticket holders. They are working really hard on engaging with the community and their fanbase.

I think it's fantastic, and again am really stoked for the organisation. The Board should take a bow for this

taniwharugby

@KiwiMurph although, signing a 'kid' to a full 3 year contract is part of the problem in NZ rugby...some make the step up, but many dont, avoiding the pathway of club or development sides.

I realise it has been this way for some time, but doesnt mean I have ot agree with it.

The Silver Fern

Blues 2020