Blues 2026
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@nzzp said in Blues 2026:
@brodean said in Blues 2026:
@nonpartizan said in Blues 2026:
Funny you said that about Mark Telea..... Right on cue I read this Just as he gets a line break to set up a try for North Harbour.
The fact that he is not in the AB squad while we are losing every other game boggles the mind.
It's OK. they've got people who are totally committed to NZ Rugby like (checks notes) Leicester Fainga'anuku
checks more notes:
Richie Mo' moments Mo'unga.@nostrildamus said in Blues 2026:
@nzzp said in Blues 2026:
@brodean said in Blues 2026:
@nonpartizan said in Blues 2026:
Funny you said that about Mark Telea..... Right on cue I read this Just as he gets a line break to set up a try for North Harbour.
The fact that he is not in the AB squad while we are losing every other game boggles the mind.
It's OK. they've got people who are totally committed to NZ Rugby like (checks notes) Leicester Fainga'anuku
checks more notes:
Richie Mo' moments Mo'unga.Yeah he was front of mind, but hadn't really come back yet so left him out
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If the Blues are chasing openside loose forwards, then Brash and Melvin were the in form 7s of the region.
@cgrant said in Blues 2026:
If the Blues are chasing openside loose forwards, then Brash and Melvin were the in form 7s of the region.
Frankly Melvin is the only guy that should be considered from Harbour. Brash and Melvin have both had better seasons than Segner.
Brash and Church have both had a good second half of the season but they're also both very small, and they need some work on their defence.
Kellow has also had a good season. Not sure about his contract status but he should be considered. Good Auckland boy and has some solid experience under his belt.
Is Choat actually going overseas now? Wasn't sure about his off field dramas?
Wrampling-Alec has been good when available. Strong defender with a good defensive work rate.
I wondered if Dalton might move away from 7 but I think the best starting loose trio at this point would be:
- Wrampling-Alec
- Papali'i
- Hoskins Sotutu
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This post is deleted!
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@george33 Eli is a promising signing for yous George, has always caught the eye whether it be for nz 20s or Ta$man, Physically gifted Hooker
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I like the Oudenryn signing. I assume this will be Eklund's last season then.
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Blues desperately needed a young hooker to develop once Vikena flamed out. Happy with that signing.
@KiwiMurph said in Blues 2026:
Blues desperately needed a young hooker to develop once Vikena flamed out. Happy with that signing.
Didn't the Blues also have Vernon Bason as injury cover last year. He'd be my pick of the Hurricanes hookers coming through and he hasn't secured a contract for next season (that I know of). Maybe another option for the Blues.
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@KiwiMurph said in Blues 2026:
Blues desperately needed a young hooker to develop once Vikena flamed out. Happy with that signing.
Didn't the Blues also have Vernon Bason as injury cover last year. He'd be my pick of the Hurricanes hookers coming through and he hasn't secured a contract for next season (that I know of). Maybe another option for the Blues.
@Canes4life Yeah agreed. He would be better option for the Canes than Raymond Tuputupu as well (not to pick on the guy but he has displayed nothing to suggest he is Super Rugby quality).
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@george33 said in Blues 2026:
Sounds like Oudenryn has signed for 2027
But will be in the WTG for 2026What the Blues post stated an hour ago...
https://www.instagram.com/p/DPhb-8Mk3wM/?img_index=1&igsh=MTY3NTJlYnNtbmE1MA==
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Blues desperately needed a young hooker to develop once Vikena flamed out. Happy with that signing.
@KiwiMurph I think Mullan, if fit should be a good option in the 23 for the Blues, his work in NPC has been good, throwing, carrying, defence and is a strong scrummager.
Hutchings was also good, a smaller fella in the RR mould, although Hutchings throwing started to falter later in the season, but dont think he is up to Super yet.
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@george33 said in Blues 2026:
James Cameron
Eli Oudenryn signed for Blues.And there goes the odd man out. I know I was talking about it a bit but didn’t expect him to end up with the Blues. What a great signing this is.
@Landers92 said in Blues 2026:
@george33 said in Blues 2026:
James Cameron
Eli Oudenryn signed for Blues.And there goes the odd man out. I know I was talking about it a bit but didn’t expect him to end up with the Blues. What a great signing this is.
It had to Happen to many players in the Crusaders region, Cameron also blocked by A Tuivailala and Cooper Roberts coming through who the Crusaders have invested in.
Good to see both of them get a contract both talented players. -
@KiwiMurph I think Mullan, if fit should be a good option in the 23 for the Blues, his work in NPC has been good, throwing, carrying, defence and is a strong scrummager.
Hutchings was also good, a smaller fella in the RR mould, although Hutchings throwing started to falter later in the season, but dont think he is up to Super yet.
@taniwharugby said in Blues 2026:
@KiwiMurph I think Mullan, if fit should be a good option in the 23 for the Blues, his work in NPC has been good, throwing, carrying, defence and is a strong scrummager.
Hutchings was also good, a smaller fella in the RR mould, although Hutchings throwing started to falter later in the season, but dont think he is up to Super yet.
Yeah I've been impressed by what I've seen at NPC from Mullan. He should be ready to contribute to the Blues in 2026 with no RR. Slater obviously also in the mix.
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@Landers92 said in Blues 2026:
@george33 said in Blues 2026:
James Cameron
Eli Oudenryn signed for Blues.And there goes the odd man out. I know I was talking about it a bit but didn’t expect him to end up with the Blues. What a great signing this is.
It had to Happen to many players in the Crusaders region, Cameron also blocked by A Tuivailala and Cooper Roberts coming through who the Crusaders have invested in.
Good to see both of them get a contract both talented players.@Chris said in Blues 2026:
@Landers92 said in Blues 2026:
@george33 said in Blues 2026:
James Cameron
Eli Oudenryn signed for Blues.And there goes the odd man out. I know I was talking about it a bit but didn’t expect him to end up with the Blues. What a great signing this is.
It had to Happen to many players in the Crusaders region, Cameron also blocked by A Tuivailala and Cooper Roberts coming through who the Crusaders have invested in.
Good to see both of them get a contract both talented players.Ouderyn looks a very good prospect - big and dynamic - All Black potential. Disappointing to see him go - and doubtless he'll soon be appearing for one of those Auckland teams in NPC.
I hope we've kept the right guys!
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@Chris said in Blues 2026:
@Landers92 said in Blues 2026:
@george33 said in Blues 2026:
James Cameron
Eli Oudenryn signed for Blues.And there goes the odd man out. I know I was talking about it a bit but didn’t expect him to end up with the Blues. What a great signing this is.
It had to Happen to many players in the Crusaders region, Cameron also blocked by A Tuivailala and Cooper Roberts coming through who the Crusaders have invested in.
Good to see both of them get a contract both talented players.Ouderyn looks a very good prospect - big and dynamic - All Black potential. Disappointing to see him go - and doubtless he'll soon be appearing for one of those Auckland teams in NPC.
I hope we've kept the right guys!
@Chris-B said in Blues 2026:
@Chris said in Blues 2026:
@Landers92 said in Blues 2026:
@george33 said in Blues 2026:
James Cameron
Eli Oudenryn signed for Blues.And there goes the odd man out. I know I was talking about it a bit but didn’t expect him to end up with the Blues. What a great signing this is.
It had to Happen to many players in the Crusaders region, Cameron also blocked by A Tuivailala and Cooper Roberts coming through who the Crusaders have invested in.
Good to see both of them get a contract both talented players.Ouderyn looks a very good prospect - big and dynamic - All Black potential. Disappointing to see him go - and doubtless he'll soon be appearing for one of those Auckland teams in NPC.
I hope we've kept the right guys!
Time will tell on Letiu if it is the right choice.
Always the danger Ouderyn will be swooped on by Australia in the near future as well.
Same as Nick Frost and Joe Brial who were both in the Crusaders system also.
