NPC 2022

[Grooter]

@Stargazer I love Jona Nareki my 2nd fav player in the country, hope he comes back strong! and I guess big Sam Gilbert finished his suspension by not partaking in sum green island fixture's🙂

[SBW1]

@StargazerCould he come into contention for the All Blacks this year or for the World Cup?

[Stargazer]

@SBW1 To be All Blacks eligible, Laumape needs to have a SR contract with NZR first (a potential contract with Manawatū only won't be enough) and he needs to play first class rugby (so he at least needs to play NPC).

There are also a few other points:
Which SR side would sign him? The Canes have signed older players returning from overseas before (J Savea), but is there room for another 12 (his only position)? Would they pick him over a talented prospect (Riley Higgins, tipped to take Walden's spot), for example? I guess it also depends on whether PUJ is still or again signed.

Second, he may have burned some bridges when he left NZ. He has said a few things in the media that may not sit well with NZR. Even if he'd get a contract with NZR and a NZ franchise, it may not be so easy to get back in black. He was dropped for a reason and needs to be very convincing in proving that he deserves another shot. IMO he can only do that via SR, not NPC.

Third, he has been very vocal about wanting to represent Tonga. In that case, signing with MP is much more likely.

[SBW1]

@Stargazer Interesting, seems as though offshore talent including coaches seem to make their way home, at a time when the All Blacks are missfiring.

[booboo]

When does the NPC start by the way?

[Bovidae]

@booboo said in NPC 2022:

When does the NPC start by the way?

Aug 5.

Bunnings Warehouse NPC

Bunnings Warehouse NPC Fixtures & Results

[booboo]

@Bovidae so what footy do we have to watch this week?

[Bovidae]

@booboo Heaps of pre-season games on Friday and Saturday, but obviously not on TV.

[booboo]

@Bovidae said in NPC 2022:

@booboo Heaps of pre-season games on Friday and Saturday, but obviously not on TV.

[Stargazer]

@booboo Farah Palmer Cup & a few 1st XV games via sideline live, the Tonga v Hong Kong match (assuming we can watch it somewhere). Or re-watch some games on demand.

[SBW1]

@Stargazer Tonga v Hong Kong to be played at Sunshine Coast Stadium.

[Stargazer]

Hanmer Springs, is that home for Canterbury or Ta$man? I assume Canterbury?

This is from the Mako instagram:

[Daffy Jaffy]

@Daffy-Jaffy said in NPC 2022:

NPC PRE SEASON: AUCKLAND v HAWKES BAY
🕑Friday, 1:00pm
🏟️ St Peters School, Cambridge
Half time Aucks 14 Magpies 12
Full time Aucks 24 Magpies 19.

[Kiwiwomble]

36-0 to Otago over Southland with 20 mins left

[Kiwiwomble]

50-5 to Otago full time

Gilbert and Koroi looked good taking it to the line....trying not to get excited

[Tim]

Any one know who Harbour's midfielders are this year?

[KiwiMurph]

@Kiwiwomble How'd Nareki look?

[Kiwiwomble]

@KiwiMurph dont remember actually seeing him much....am working so not watching continuously...now concerned he injured or something

[Stargazer]

Full time:
Canterbury 69 - 7 Ta$man

[Kiwiwomble]

@Stargazer said in NPC 2022:

Full time:
Canterbury 69 - 7 Ta$man

damn...and with quite a few big names not playing for canterbury