Magpies 2021
-
-
Next signing is Connor McLeod.
We're almost there with the backs. Assuming Falcon has taken Baker's spot and Sapsford will be re-signed, too, we still need a replacement for Emerson and McNichol. Not sure what kind of contract Tuitavuki was on (injury replacement or not). If it wasn't an injury replacement contract, than that spot may be up for grabs, too. Bas Visinia was definitely on an injury replacement contract, so doesn't need replacing.
As Enari will be on a full contract, I wonder what kind of contract McLeod is on. Injury replacement for Folau, or a full contract? If full, than who's spot is that? Emerson's? Whatever it is, about two, three backs still to be named. I assume the midfield spot will go to Higgins, who looked good against North Otago. But as we already have Ili, Toala, presumably Sapsford, and Fomai for the midfield, I'm a bit disappointed that this spot may not go to a local player who has gone through our age grades. Wait and see whether someone else still gets a shot at that spot in the second Heartland RS game. Squads have to be named on 27 July, IIRC.
-
@stargazer said in Magpies 2021:
Next signing is Connor McLeod.
We're almost there with the backs. Assuming Falcon has taken Baker's spot and Sapsford will be re-signed, too, we still need a replacement for Emerson and McNichol. Not sure what kind of contract Tuitavuki was on (injury replacement or not). If it wasn't an injury replacement contract, than that spot may be up for grabs, too. Bas Visinia was definitely on an injury replacement contract, so doesn't need replacing.
As Enari will be on a full contract, I wonder what kind of contract McLeod is on. Injury replacement for Folau, or a full contract? If full, than who's spot is that? Emerson's? Whatever it is, about two, three backs still to be named. I assume the midfield spot will go to Higgins, who looked good against North Otago. But as we already have Ili, Toala, presumably Sapsford, and Fomai for the midfield, I'm a bit disappointed that this spot may not go to a local player who has gone through our age grades. Wait and see whether someone else still gets a shot at that spot in the second Heartland RS game. Squads have to be named on 27 July, IIRC.
He should go well provided he doesn’t lose his head.
-
-
@stargazer Is that the one that debuted for the 'Ikale Tahi the other night or was that one the brother that plays on the wing?
-
@higgins Penikolo Latu played for 'Ikale Tahi on the wing. Not sure whether he's related to Paula Latu. The player who debuted for them was Solomone Funaki.
Paula Latu played for Regional XV earlier this year against the Hurricanes Hunters and was surprisingly good! From following the media about club rugby, I understand he's been going well all season for MAC and has scored quite a few tries. He's quite fast (they refer to him as a prop-loosie, so that might explain things).
-
Solomone Funaki is out of the Tonga squad due to injury. I hope it's not too bad. We have a few injuries already and I have no idea how bad they are: him, Falcon, IWL, Kereru-Symes, obviously Makene, and there was another one, I think? (not counting Fakatava).
I guess we'll find out when they name the team for the Shield game against NPEC.
-
@stargazer he broke his hand against the all blacks
-
@gizzygobby Thanks, I'd missed that. Oh, and welcome to the Fern!
-
@stargazer said in Magpies 2021:
Next signing for 2021: Joel Hintz.
I wonder who they're going to replace Taumalolo with? Paula Latu maybe?
Paula Latu has signed with Southland.
-
@number-10 I hope our coaches aren't going to regret letting him go!
So if Latu isn't Taumalolo's replacement, then who will it be? It may be a bit early for Jayden Walker? Having to follow club rugby from a distance, I'm not really sure who'd be the best to become our third choice LH prop. For example, not sure how old and how good Troy McIvor is.
-
Finally, a new signing and it looks like he'll be replacing Mason Emerson or Sam McNicol (or Anzelo Tuitavuki?): Dennon Robinson-Bartlett.
He moved to BOP after finishing school (not getting a spot in our own Academy?), got capped twice by them in 2019, but he returned home after they let him go (I think last year, but not sure). Another member of the 2017 Hastings Boys 1st XV National Champions team becoming a Magpie. I don't think he was one of their stand-outs, so wait and see how he goes at this level.
He's the son of 2-game Magpies winger Jason Robinson (2002), nephew of former Magpies flanker (2003-2006, 23 games) and world title-winning touch player Nui Bartlett and cousin of Tohu Harris.
Here's an interesting article about him from 2016:
League: Robinson following a plan - NZ Herald
Browse local and regional news from the Hawkes Bay region, including Napier, Hastings, Dannevirke and Havelock North - hawkesbaytoday.co.nz
Edited to add: if you ever read or hear about "triple Ds" in a Hastings Boys context, that refers to Devan, Danny and Dennon. They're back together!
