Blues 2021
-
Should of been in original squad
-
@Cpt-Kumera Explanation on that from the Blues website -
Eklund’s outstanding performances for Bay of Plenty in 2019 led to his inclusion in the Blues team on a one-year contract in 2020. He played 13 games for the Blues in 2020 including seven as starting hooker and was roundly lauded for his energetic performances.However, there was no place for Eklund initially in the 2021 Blues squad with Parsons and Ray Niuia each with one year remaining on their contracts, and outstanding teenage talent, Soane Vikena, the Blues Development Player of the Year, earning a multi-year contract.
The Blues indicated their interest in Eklund for the future, signing him for 2022 and 2023 season, which left him with options for this season. He had opportunities to play for other Super sides across the Ta$man, but eventually decided to accept a position as a temporary replacement at the Blues pre-season with Parsons, Niuia and Vikena all injured.
When Blues centurion Parsons announced his retirement last week, coach Leon MacDonald approached Eklund for a fulltime contract.
“It has all worked out well for me. Obviously it’s sad for James to be forced to retire. I learned so much from him last year,” said Eklund.
“I have my chance now and I will take it with both hands. I owe it to James to be the best I can be – because he has left some big shoes to fill both on and off the field.”
-
Blues forwards coach Tom Coventry is rapt they have such a proven and reliable fallback option after Parsons’ defection, and with Nuia (short term) and Vikena (4-5 months) also facing stints on the sideline.
-
@taniwharugby said in Blues 2021:
@Tim defection?
yeah, that word choice was terrible.
Inigo Montoya: I do not think that means what you think it means
-
@taniwharugby said in Blues 2021:
@Tim defection?
following up on this, as 'retirement' would have been far better.
Word choice hates - lazy sportswriter bingo (and in fairness, some are lazy subeditors):
- Stanza
- Pill
- 'run the cutter'
- Code
- REVEALED: ...
- 'slams' (as in coach slams players)
- ...
-
@nzzp said in Blues 2021:
@taniwharugby said in Blues 2021:
@Tim defection?
Word choice hates - lazy sportswriter bingo (and in fairness, some are lazy subeditors):
- Stanza
Reading that I was taken straight to the half time break at Mt Smart with Stephen McIvor's voice ringing in my ears
-
The worst kept secret is now official:
ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK CONFIRMS TWO YEAR DEAL
New Zealand Rugby and the Blues have confirmed Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has signed a two-year contract that will also see him link with Auckland through to the end of 2023.He will link up with Auckland later in the year and kick off his Sky Super Rugby career with the Blues in 2022. -
-
@Bovidae said in Blues 2021:
So in what position do we see RTS playing in 2022? Right wing seems to be the position with no clear first-choice.
11 - Clarke
15 - BB or maybe Sullivan15 unlikely to be BB - I think he's wanting to go back to 10 and compete with RM ... if he ever comes back from Japan of course
-
-
@Yeetyaah said in Blues 2021:
@Bovidae 12 or 13**. Isn't there a constant meme about how All Blacks wingers expire at 26**? Doesn't have the skillset for 15 in union. I'd say 12 or 13, more likely 13.
Left wing only, right wings can carry on for ages.
