So what’s the deal with him then? Is there a risk of someone poaching him given he doesn’t have a deal or is his academy deal sufficient? Seems a bit mental to be waiting until Jan when you know you’re going to be giving him one?
There's only one team that would poach him, and if that happened I would be extremely annoyed as I personally think he has a very high ceiling. I don't know the full details around his potential scholarship being held until January, because it came out of chatter from coaches that worked with him in Auckland, but we'd be foolish not to put that FIFA partnership $$$ to good use. I'd also like to know how perhaps someone like mrsmiis would rate his potential, given not too many people know too much about him. But only if he's got the time that is. 👀
I've seen more of him than I have of a few of our other academy lads, and I don't even live in Auckland anymore, but the times I saw him for Fencibles and for NZ age grade sides I thought he was excellent. Even in his first game against South Melbourne in the cup I thought he gave a very good account of himself in what was his natural playing position.
Might be a good question for the pod?