Blues 2026
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@Duluth said in Blues 2026:
I'd expect Norrie to be there somewhere
Yates is an unusual selection at this stage. However he's only 25 and large. Feek must see something he likes longer term. So I'd pencil him in as one of the TH's
Halfback is the problem position. I've wanted at least one of the halfbacks to move on for years but we've stayed with the same 3
So yeah, a lot depends on the young guys kicking on. Maybe a couple of the older guys don't leave. Also 2-3 recruits in certain positions makes a huge difference. The BB top up cash frees up soon
Didn't someone, maybe @Steven-Harris report that Taufa Funaki could be leaving? I assume Christie was out the door too but getting a recall to the ABs may have changed that?
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With most non All Black players generally taking two yesr deals. There should be some guys available.
As much as I don't want to lose any of our outside backs. There could be some options out of our playing group. One of Tito-Harris or Solomon may not have a starting spot.
For a fairly stacked region that team looks a bit worrysome a couple of years out.
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@African-Monkey said in Blues 2026:
@Duluth said in Blues 2026:
I'd expect Norrie to be there somewhere
Yates is an unusual selection at this stage. However he's only 25 and large. Feek must see something he likes longer term. So I'd pencil him in as one of the TH's
Halfback is the problem position. I've wanted at least one of the halfbacks to move on for years but we've stayed with the same 3
So yeah, a lot depends on the young guys kicking on. Maybe a couple of the older guys don't leave. Also 2-3 recruits in certain positions makes a huge difference. The BB top up cash frees up soon
Didn't someone, maybe @Steven-Harris report that Taufa Funaki could be leaving? I assume Christie was out the door too but getting a recall to the ABs may have changed that?
That would be the worst possible outcome.
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2024 Warriors U17 and 2025 MP U20 Half Back Boston Krone was in the gym with the team today.
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@Daffy-Jaffy said in Blues 2026:
2024 Warriors U17 and 2025 MP U20 Half Back Boston Krone was in the gym with the team today.
Surely the Blues will be looking closely at a few halfbacks to see who could nail the role in future years. No one in the current squad or the wider group will be the guy in a couple of years time (including Funaki, who I know has his fans here). Halfback must be the recruitment priority for the management team.
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@Daffy-Jaffy said in Blues 2026:
2024 Warriors U17 and 2025 MP U20 Half Back Boston Krone
Blues U18 development squad, Auckland U19, NZ Barbarians U18 all last year too. He's been busy
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@SouthernMann said in Blues 2026:
looking closely at a few halfbacks
Funaki is rumored to be leaving after this season. I would be throwing the checkbook at Charlie Sinton.
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@Daffy-Jaffy said in Blues 2026:
@SouthernMann said in Blues 2026:
looking closely at a few halfbacks
Funaki is rumored to be leaving after this season. I would be throwing the checkbook at Charlie Sinton.
Yeah, that is where I'd be going. Promise the kid a starting spot either next year or the year after.
Christie - 30
Nock - 29
Funaki - 25
Renton - 31James Arscott is also around being aligned to Auckland. He's a third pick at best.
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Do they try and lure one of Hotham or Preston on a big contract away from the Crusaders?
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@MacDazzler said in Blues 2026:
Do they try and lure one of Hotham or Preston on a big contract away from the Crusaders?
I reckon Preston will go overseas after the next contract he has with the Saders. Is 26, is unlikely to add many, if any to his test caps. Being a capped AB gives massive value add.
Hotham is the Crusaders long-term guy.
Sinton is who they need to throw the bag at.
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I thought Marco Miln (Kings, halfback and first five) was one of the few players who came out of that U18 Trans- Ta$man demolition with his reputation relatively intact.
Needs to quicken his delivery and the execution wasn’t always there but he’s got vision and athletic ability. A good foundation to build on.
I’d think (and hope) the Blues will have identified him as potentially an important future piece.
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@Tim said in Blues 2026:
I would love for us to go full Auckland-piston wristed gibbons mode and scoop up Pledger.
Nice bait. Will let that one just drift by haha.
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@SouthernMann im not a big fan of Nock, but some of the images I've seen of him, he is in incredible shape this year, hopefully he has a change of mindset with it given he has the skillset to be a starting 9, but I won't hold my breath he will suddenly be a smarter player.
