Woodcock returning to the Blues

[Amobokoboko]

Article here: Never really understood why he left in the first place.

 

[steblin]

Was really hoping the rumors were true, and they were! An exciting young team, they needed experience, especially after loosing the likes of Williams and Ranger. The additions of Woodcock and Kaino will make up for that (that front row of Faumuina, Mealamu and Woodcock and back row of Luatua, Braid and Kaino should be awesome!), Marshall is the wildcard and I'm genuinely hoping we pickup Nonu, Saili has been playing well for Harbour at 13, got to imagine he'd be excited playing alongside Nonu.

If all that came to fruition I'd be pretty excited ... about everything other than the locks ...

 

[ABs2011]

Was really hoping the rumors were true, and they were! An exciting young team, they needed experience, especially after loosing the likes of Williams and Ranger. The additions of Woodcock and Kaino will make up for that (that front row of Faumuina, Mealamu and Woodcock and back row of Luatua, Braid and Kaino should be awesome!), Marshall is the wildcard and I'm genuinely hoping we pickup Nonu, Saili has been playing well for Harbour at 13, got to imagine he'd be excited playing alongside Nonu.

If all that came to fruition I'd be pretty excited ... about everything other than the locks ...

The Blues have the makings of a playoff caliber team now, but as you say locks are a massive issue! I'm not sure where they are gonna get those from. Argentina??

Looks like they will get Nonu as well....

 

[Kiwiwomble]

The Blues have the makings of a playoff caliber team now, but as you say locks are a massive issue! I'm not sure where they are gonna get those from. Argentina??

Looks like they will get Nonu as well....

thats what everyone was saying about us last year...with Woodcock and Nonu...just saying

 

[ABs2011]

thats what everyone was saying about us last year...with Woodcock and Nonu...just saying

Haha, yes very true. Although I was not one of them The driver for this team are the young fullahs IMHO. With an extra year under their belts the likes of Saiili, Piutau, Fekito, Luatua, Faumuina, Braid, Halai, Hall, Moala....these are the guys who I think will push this team into the playoffs this year. Kaino, Nonu, and Woodcock will hopefully provide the experience and leadership the team needs.

 

[steblin]

thats what everyone was saying about us last year...with Woodcock and Nonu...just saying

I don't think there's any danger with Woodcock, Blues man through and through, no doubt an upgrade at prop and can help bring on the youngsters with Kevvy.

Nonu you're absolutely right. Although you'd like to think with his mate Piri there, plus Graham Henry and JK they can keep him on an even keel ... such a frustrating player. As he shows with the AB's, undeniably still 'has it', its just getting his mind and heart in it for S15 ... can it be done? Who knows... looks like we'll have another year to see though!

 

[ABs2011]

I reckon Nonu is going to be on fire this year!!

 

[jessta]

i hope so abs2011 i really do. locks are not to bad actually, just lacking experience. theres liaki moli whos shown great promise since he was a teen, just time he needs to step up and deliver, regular starts should help that cause. callum retallick was one of the engines in the blues forward pack last year along with luatua, great work rate and always gives it his all. then bench ronald raymakers whos a good player. i think kane barrett and even joe edwards can cover lock too and theres that young auckland bloke whos impressed, cant remember his name, islander fella.

 

[Kiwiwomble]

...i hate to say you're probably right

think you're also right in that all these guys have to bring is experience really, the old head to direct some explosive but raw talent...where as down here they were expected to bring some unknowns and journey men to a higher level...

 

[nickdnz]

But the Highlanders are ****** with how they treated Mackintosh...

 

[RyotoTheDragon]

i hope so abs2011 i really do. locks are not to bad actually, just lacking experience. theres liaki moli whos shown great promise since he was a teen, just time he needs to step up and deliver, regular starts should help that cause. callum retallick was one of the engines in the blues forward pack last year along with luatua, great work rate and always gives it his all. then bench ronald raymakers whos a good player. i think kane barrett and even joe edwards can cover lock too and theres that young auckland bloke whos impressed, cant remember his name, islander fella.

Patrick Tuipolotu?