The Moana Pasifika Franchise

[waiopehu oldboy]

They've also signed Jackson Garden-Bachop:

Garden-Bachop joins Moana Pasifika – Moana Pasifika

moanapasifika.co.nz

 

[Dan54]

What happened with Pone? Could really use him in the Wallabies right now.

I think he would become eligible for Samoa or someone next year wouldn't he? I guessing it 2-3 years since he played for Wallabies. I do think it's just maybe the start of MP (Moana Pasifika) beginning to do what they hope. Pone and G-B coming to them are small steps in right direction.

 

[KOB1987]

I think he would become eligible for Samoa or someone next year wouldn't he? I guessing it 2-3 years since he played for Wallabies. I do think it's just maybe the start of MP (Moana Pasifika) (Moana Pasifika) beginning to do what they hope. Pone and G-B coming to them are small steps in right direction.

He played for the Wallabies last year. They were his first and only appearances.

 

[Dan54]

He played for the Wallabies last year. They were his first and only appearances.

Ok mate, I for some reason thought it was a couple of years back. Still will be available for Samoa 27 WC , so not too bad.

 

[Dismal Pillock]

Ardie has ignited the entire franchise.

 

[Derpus]

Ardie has ignited the entire franchise.

I have to say it is exactly what the comp really needed to hit that next level. Another ridiculously good NZ rugby side with a handful of fans.

 

[zer0]

Having Count Dracula in the coaching setup seems to have helped with their attack as well.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

I think this is going to end badly & may at least partly explain why so many Moana players have moved on:

"The organisation using taxpayer money to fund rugby team Moana Pasifika is among two agencies subject to a just-launched probe into allegations of inappropriate use of public money."

Moana Pasifika's funder under scrutiny in independent review of Whānau Ora funds

'We must safeguard taxpayers’ money,' Te Puni Kōkiri's chief executive says.

www.nzherald.co.nz

Yesterday's NZHurld also alluded to financial issues from behind their ever-higher Paywall so I think this may have legs beyond the $770Kpa mentioned in the linked article.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Further to the above...

"Moana Pasifika's future looks uncertain despite their fourth and most successful Super Rugby campaign.

"The Herald reports concerns centre around the charity Pasifika Medical Association Group which bought the franchise last year and a reduction in their Whanau Ora contracts.

"Those have previously been used to bolster Moana Pasifika's finances, a strategy reported as quietly contentious among Polynesian health service providers.

"Earlier this month, 15 players were released from this year’s squad."

Fair to say that neither of the junior partners in the current coalition Gov't are fond of Whanau Ora & the majority partner probably wouldn't think twice about killing it off if they think theres enough votes in it (there's an election next year).

 

[Dismal Pillock]

Hehe, must be some pretty sweet houses suddenly popping up back in the islands.

 

[LeCheese]

Fair to say that neither of the junior partners in the current coalition Gov't are fond of Whanau Ora & the majority partner probably wouldn't think twice about killing it off if they think theres enough votes in it (there's an election next year).

Would you mind sharing some insights as to the background/context here for us ausländers?

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Google the NZ First, ACT NZ & NZ National parties plus leaders Winston Peters, David Seymour & Christopher Luxon. I think you'll get the picture.

 

[LeCheese]

Google the NZ First, ACT NZ & NZ National parties plus leaders Winston Peters, David Seymour & Christopher Luxon. I think you'll get the picture.

I get the picture, and it ain't pretty

 

[Adam84]

Moana Pasifka have signed Israel Leota from the Brisbane Broncos


Broncos blow: Phenom’s defection to Super Rugby confirmed

https://www.couriermail.com.au/spor...a/news-story/855f9e4d22616baf14c9d628efaf21f3

 

[PhilClinton]

Not really a blow for the Broncos, he is yet to make his first-grade debut and is pretty much 5th or 6th in the pecking order. Still a handy young footballer.

Also, unsurprisingly he's a Kiwi, so the Moana team can be keep operating as a nursery for future All Blacks.

 

[Dan54]

Not really a blow for the Broncos, he is yet to make his first-grade debut and is pretty much 5th or 6th in the pecking order. Still a handy young footballer.

Also, unsurprisingly he's a Kiwi, so the Moana team can be keep operating as a nursery for future All Blacks.

Great, so NZR not wasting their money paying for them?
Though seriously could anyone actually see a second grade leaguie making any NZ super team, let alone higher honours?

 

[WoodysRFC]

Not really a blow for the Broncos, he is yet to make his first-grade debut and is pretty much 5th or 6th in the pecking order. Still a handy young footballer.

Also, unsurprisingly he's a Kiwi, so the Moana team can be keep operating as a nursery for future All Blacks.

He's eligible for Australia, having lived there most of his life.

 

[Adam84]

Not really a blow for the Broncos, he is yet to make his first-grade debut and is pretty much 5th or 6th in the pecking order. Still a handy young footballer.

Also, unsurprisingly he's a Kiwi, so the Moana team can be keep operating as a nursery for future All Blacks.

Based on interview it was pitched to him by Tana as means to achieve All Blacks ambitions…. Absolutely been treated as a nursery

 

[Derpus]

Great, so NZR not wasting their money paying for them?
Though seriously could anyone actually see a second grade leaguie making any NZ super team, let alone higher honours?

Hes a youth prospect so… yes?

 

[PhilClinton]

He's eligible for Australia, having lived there most of his life.

Not my point.

It isn't surprising that a player poached from league would be eligible for the NZU if they wanted to select him down the track. Highly unlikely we would see Moana poach any junior players who couldn't end up in an All Blacks jersey.