Blues 2023

[taniwharugby]

@Chris there is absolutely no excuse for Auckland to bring in anyone form outside Club Rugby who isnt already an established NPC/Age Group Rep/Super player...the stuff I read about/see online and listening to @Steven-Harris who is out and about every week covering club footy, the talent running around Auckland is insane! Which is probably part of the problem, IDing those that might make that step up and beyond!

[Duluth]

Young Auckland prop joining the squad. I presume he's filling the gap that Karl Tu'inukuafe left

[KiwiMurph]

@Duluth Nice. Was hoping he'd get a full gig.

[Higgins]

@Duluth God he looks super young, how old is he?

[Stargazer]

@Higgins He's 21 years old.

[Higgins]

@Stargazer Obviously an old photo then, unless he was a 4th Year 7th Former!

[Tim]

With Fusitua signed, and Tuipulotu returning, they may only need a hooker now (would rather not use Riccitelli)?

A young loose forward might force their way in? A tighthead to replace Renata? Maybe a halback or wing?

[Chris]

@Tim said in Blues 2023:

With Fusitua signed, and Tuipulotu returning, they may only need a hooker now (would rather not use Riccitelli)?

A young loose forward might force their way in? A tighthead to replace Renata? Maybe a halback or wing?

Or another TH if Laulau goes to France.

[Duluth]

@Tim said in Blues 2023:

With Fusitua signed, and Tuipulotu returning, they may only need a hooker now (would rather not use Riccitelli)?

A young loose forward might force their way in? A tighthead to replace Renata? Maybe a halback or wing?

I think Nock was on his last year of his deal. He tried to get an early release, so I suspect he’ll go somewhere else

It might be Milo-Harris to replace him. An improvement IMO

[Tim]

@Duluth What about Judd? Going ok for Harbour?

[Tim]

@Chris That rumour is for after the 2023 Super Rugby season.

[Duluth]

@Tim

Maybe. I assume Milo-Harris because he spent time with the Blues this year

[taniwharugby]

@Duluth I thought Nock re-signed an extension after all the talk of him supposedly asking for a release?

But right now LMH looks a better option at any rate.

[Tim]

Of course, we need a lock replacement for Romano too.

[taniwharugby]

@Tim could do worse than Hallam-Eames, top grafter there.

[Tim]

@taniwharugby How has Craig looked this year?

[taniwharugby]

@Tim gone better than I expected him to, has good skills and has been more physical too, but think hes still not there yet.

[Duluth]

@taniwharugby said in Blues 2023:

@Tim gone better than I expected him to, has good skills and has been more physical too, but think hes still not there yet.

Would still prefer to sign guys like him and Beehre

Tuipulotu and Darry with support from the loosie/locks (Robinson, Suafoa, Tucker, Plumtree) until the young guys are ready

[taniwharugby]

@Duluth I think they used him as a project player this year in the Blues didnt they, and TBH I think it has helped him.

[Duluth]

@Tim said in Blues 2023:

they may only need a hooker now (would rather not use Riccitelli)?

Hopefully they don’t keep Riccitelli

Who are the uncontracted hookers that are good enough for SR?

I was hoping BKP would be good enough but his Northland form doesn’t warrant selection

Maybe O’Reilly? He’s left the Canes but I don’t think it’s been announced where he is going.