Blues 2021

[Stargazer]

@Bovidae Yeah, but he suffered that injury after it became clear that the Highlanders weren't going to re-sign him. So it's not due to his injury that he doesn't have a Highlanders contract.

[Bovidae]

@Stargazer I was meaning that the injury could be the reason that Walden wasn't picked up by another team (e.g., Chiefs, Blues).

[KiwiMurph]

Interestingly - the 2019 Blues development player of the year was a midfielder - Lemeki Namoa - but he's fallen away - he has been injured and then could only make Auckland B squad this year.

[Stargazer]

The Blues Podcast: Episode 5: Squad Naming with Leon MacDonald

https://bluesrugbyteam.buzzsprout.com/886006/6661013-episode-5-squad-naming-with-leon-macdonald

[KiwiMurph]

@Stargazer some interesting nuggets there

• They see Kneepkens as a fullback

• Hopeful Vikena can play later in the year

• Confirmed the final spot is a midfielder - just finalising negotiations

[Nogusta]

@Tim said in Blues 2021:

Depth in midfield is a big concern.

Will be tested early on with TJs injury keeping him out until end of March

[nzzp]

@KiwiMurph said in Blues 2021:

@Stargazer some interesting nuggets there

• Confirmed the final spot is a midfielder - just finalising negotiations

Troll the Fern!

SBW

[Kirwan]

@nzzp said in Blues 2021:

@KiwiMurph said in Blues 2021:

@Stargazer some interesting nuggets there

• Confirmed the final spot is a midfielder - just finalising negotiations

Troll the Fern!

SBW

Troll the cantabs, Goodhue to come home to join his brother!

[cgrant]

So no Choat but Tremain. Weird !

[family man]

@cgrant I find it mad that choat is left out,tremain I not seen much of to be honest but looks a good player

[Stargazer]

@cgrant Sorry, what's this about Tremain?

[ARHS]

Surprised about Taine Plumtree selection ahead of Choat. But, Will Tremain... Is he playing here at top level again?

[Stargazer]

So can anybody tell me what this Tremain news is? Link to a source, please? I have no idea what you're talking about.

[Daffy Jaffy]

@ARHS With Plumtree being 1.97m and 111kg, I think they were looking for a 6/lock to fill the role Carroll played last season. Choat is more of a 7/6 which is well covered in the squad already. I do hope Choat can be included in a wider replacement group though or we will likely lose him.

[Daffy Jaffy]

The fact that Coach said that they are still finalising negotiations re: the last midfield position makes me wonder if they are bringing someone from overseas. Maybe a returnee like Michael Little who was excellent for the Sunwolves? or even another young player from Quins like Marchant last season?

[Stargazer]

@Daffy-Jaffy Little is still playing for Mitshubishi Dynaboars.

[Daffy Jaffy]

@Stargazer Of local prospects I would be happy with James Tofa from Manawatu who can play anywhere from 12 to 15.

[Stargazer]

@Daffy-Jaffy If there's room for a Samoa capped player, I'd go for Neria Fomai. Josh Timu from Otago looked good, too.

[cgrant]

@Stargazer
I don't know why my fingers taped Tremain instead of Plumtree. Weird.

[family man]

@Stargazer josh timu looks a very good player, deserves a super rugby contract