@SouthernMann the guy who could surprise is Heath McEwan who is in the Northland squad be interesting to see how he goes getting consistent rugby .
@Steven-Harris more details Just think Josh Goodhue experienced could be a great acquisition. Must be other clubs showing interest. hurricanes ?
@Steven-Harris said in Blues 2027:
@SouthernMann the guy who could surprise is Heath McEwan who is in the Northland squad be interesting to see how he goes getting consistent rugby .
Was one of the dominant hookers in Dunedin club rugby. Just stuck behind Coltman, Bell and Lolofie was preferred as the development hooker. I hope he doesn't become the modern version of Ricky Riccitelli, who after leaving Dunedin due to a log jam became a mainstay around the country.
@SouthernMann i saw McEwan play a couple of times, think he was 'rested' at the last game Hora Hora play this year, looks a real ball of muscle, I mentioned in another thread, reminded me of a bigger version of Tim Dow.
His throwing wasn't great when I watched.but then he had some small targets, tallest guy in the side was a prop, but his work.around the park has massive upside if he can break into npc here then maybe super, but have to think he will need.to have a hell of seasons to leapfrog Mullan and.Hutchings, who IMO is another Riccitelli like player too.
But as @brodean says, Mullan has the physical attributes, just needs to.sort his throwing.
Grok tells me Goodhue did not miss any games in Japan due to concussion.
@kiwimurph said in Blues 2027:
Leo Gordon strikes me as an option to replace Evans
Yeah, he looked good in the Blues preseason match v the Crusaders. He should've gotten a run during the last season
@brodean said in Blues 2027:
Is it too early for Siale Pahulu? He already has the physical dimensions
What I'm seeing, a bit rubbish on defence, game is littered with the occasional basic error, and he hasn't really asserted himself physically despite his size. Definitely a lot of potential there though, but can't imagine he'd be ready for Super.
@SouthernMann said in Blues 2027:
@Tim Glad he has a new home.
He would have suited Vern Ball. Not so sure he will suit Holland's running footy.
Thinking the same thing.
@george33 said in Blues 2027:
Just seen Dalton has picked up injury at Castre during training and is out for 6 months . Needs surgery.
Achilles suck. Poor bastard. Still at least he got paid
7 days later
Hopefully he has some better luck with injuries. When he had a decent run of starts back in 2024 he looked good
According to Liam Napier on the Rugby Direct podcast:
Savea met with the Blues during the Nations Championship tests, and they have made a formal offer. It is with NZR who are looking at what can be done financially. Napier's opinion is that it is likely that Savea signs with the Blues.
@southernmann I'm also interested to see what Christie can do. He is coming back from an ACL injury though.
@tim said in Blues 2027:
According to Liam Napier on the Rugby Direct podcast:
Savea met with the Blues during the Nations Championship tests, and they have made a formal offer. It is with NZR who are looking at what can be done financially. Napier's opinion is that it is likely that Savea signs with the Blues.
Worst kept secret in NZ. Where else would he be going? The Canes have already said they won’t offer him a contract as well.
