Blues 2021
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@Steven-Harris I'm not objecting to Mayhew in the team. In fact I agree with you about Mayhew being underated. I think untimely injuries stalled his career for a few seasons but he is a solid squad option. A strong scrummager and contributes well around the feild. My concern was maybe losing promising younger props elsewhere.
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@Daffy-Jaffy would not be the first time the Blues have lost promising players ..I could write a book , some information I can share with you which is real issue in my book ..Daniel Bowden is running around signing all the promising kids from Northland and Harbour kids including Auckland ..now what happens , these kids get frustrated when they don’t get game time or love with Auckland and as opposed to keeping them within the Blues franchise farmed out across the unions so they can develop ..And the next minute , you end up seeing them run around for Ta$man ..,Northland made an approach to Hamden Tuipulotu who is Patrick’s younger , brother , from a Northland piece it would fantastic to have a prop of his quality in Whangarei ....Daniel Bowden made it his personal mission to make sure this happened ..already hearing Waikato are keen ..go figure ..!
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Wasn’t sure where to post this but I was watching a few old NPC clips and is Hoskins Sotutu related to the Sotutu that played on the wing for Auckland back in the 90s?
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@ACT-Crusader said in Blues 2021:
Wasn’t sure where to post this but I was watching a few old NPC clips and is Hoskins Sotutu related to the Sotutu that played on the wing for Auckland back in the 90s?
Yeah, that's his Dad.
Rayasi lived with them for a few years while he learnt how to play rugby again.
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@ACT-Crusader said in Blues 2021:
Wasn’t sure where to post this but I was watching a few old NPC clips and is Hoskins Sotutu related to the Sotutu that played on the wing for Auckland back in the 90s?
It's crazy how many sons are playing in the team now from Auckland's teams of my youth. Whetton, Jones, Sotutu, Clarke, and probably have forgotten some.
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@Kirwan said in Blues 2021:
@ACT-Crusader said in Blues 2021:
Wasn’t sure where to post this but I was watching a few old NPC clips and is Hoskins Sotutu related to the Sotutu that played on the wing for Auckland back in the 90s?
It's crazy how many sons are playing in the team now from Auckland's teams of my youth. Whetton, Jones, Sotutu, Clarke, and probably have forgotten some.
It’s a good legacy.
Speaking of Whetton, how’s his son doing? That was a nasty fall.
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@ACT-Crusader Supposed to be back this week.
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@Yeetyaah said in Blues 2021:
Dunno if it was just JK being JK, but on the breakdown he said when talking about Beaudie, "His brothers coming next year."
Jordie is contracted to the Canes for 2021
So he must mean 2022 when BB is back at the Blues -
For now, there is no Super Rugby contract in place for next year, but his focus is just on finishing the Mitre 10 Cup campaign in style.
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@Tim yea I think he signed a 2 year deal. Can confirm Vikena
is signed as well on a draft contract. Not sure if 100% true but apparently Alama Ieremias approached Tom Coventry/Blues about somehow 'un'contracting Vikena for some reason. One of the many reasons why he's (AI) offside with some of the players.
Also - I believe AJ Lam has agreed to terms with the Blues (2 year deal). -
@KiwiMurph that's harsh. I thought he was good for the Blues this year.
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@Canes4life said in Blues 2021:
@KiwiMurph that's harsh. I thought he was good for the Blues this year.
I agree. Eklund should be the Blues starting hooker. I would personally prefer it if Parsons retired with his concussion problems and moved into media where I find him really enjoyable.
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@KiwiMurph said in Blues 2021:
@Canes4life said in Blues 2021:
@KiwiMurph that's harsh. I thought he was good for the Blues this year.
I agree. Eklund should be the Blues starting hooker. I would personally prefer it if Parsons retired with his concussion problems and moved into media where I find him really enjoyable.
He's really good, I enjoy that rugbypass podcast as you get a better look at what might be going on, and he's pretty fair in his assessments. The older guys (Marshall etc) are too far from the current style of play to be able to offer that type of analysis.
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@KiwiMurph yeah I admittedly have been fairly harsh on the guy as a player but his role with Rugby Pass has suited him well. I really enjoyed the story about him on the All Blacks bus.
How long does he have left on his contract?
I wonder if another team has their sights on Eklund, apart from the Canes who are obviously well resourced in that area.
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@Nogusta At only 19 years old is Vikena's "draft contract" like the wtg contract or some kind of apprentiship deal? If so that would still allow 3 full squad choices (Parsons, Niuia, then either Ekland or Tolai?). After training full time with All Black front rowers for two seasons Vikena should then be primed and ready to replace Parsons for 2022. Maybe Ieremia had him in his sights for Moana Pasifika 2022?
Pleased with the Lam signing. If they did not pick him up they would surely have been playing against him. I guess he is in for Hyland though he is also useful in the centres. The Blues only carried 4 specialist midfeilders last season and Tele'a was injured for most of it, so they they need to replace Marchant and pick an extra to back up at 12 for Faiane so they don't run him into the ground again. Tamati Tua trained with the team this year and is playing well right now but my concern with him is he seems to be forever injured. Would be great to get Michael Little back from Japan (his brother has had some good moments for Harbour this season). The more I see of Plummer at 10 the more I think he may be best suited to 12. I also like James Tofa from the Turbos as a midfield option, he covers most backline positions and kicks goals. I imagine the Canes will pick him up if they have space for a utility. I think he has been in their development team. I had wondered previously if Inga Finau was lured north by Auckland/Blues with the idea of pushing for Marcant's Blues spot. However he has not had enough game time to push his case. I think only the one start against Harbour. Jack Heighton was promoted to full Blues squad member last season when Tele'a was injured but never played. I noticed he played 12 for Harbour recently but i've honestly never seen him play so can't comment on his potential or best position.
