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Newly-named All Blacks playmaker Stephen Perofeta re-signs with Blues
By Alex McLeod
Newly-named All Blacks playmaker Stephen Perofeta has secured his playing future for the next two years after re-signing with the Blues.
The Auckland-based Super Rugby Pacific franchise announced on Wednesday that they have secured Perofeta's services through until the 2024 season.
It comes after 25-year-old, who can play first-five and fullback, starred for the Blues en route to their runner-up finish this season, with his performances earning him a maiden All Blacks call-up for their upcoming series against Ireland.
Named as Players’ Player of the Year and Back of the Year at the recent end-of-season Blues awards, Perofeta ended the Super Rugby Pacific campaign as equal top point-scorer with a personal tally of 129.
The former New Zealand U20 star, who made his first-class debut in the Heartland Championship with Whanganui as a schoolboy in 2015, is also closing in on his 50th cap for the Blues after making his debut for the side five years ago.
Now a star of the Blues backline, Perofeta - who has also re-signed with NPC team Taranaki - is eager to continue his development alongside his high-profile teammates, many of whom join him in the current All Blacks squad.
“We are developing into a good team of good mates, but we also know there is a lot more to come yet and I’m keen to be part of it,” Perofeta said in a statement released on Wednesday.
“I have enjoyed this year and loved the relationship with Beauden, both at Taranaki and at the Blues.”
Blues head coach Leon MacDonald spoke highly of Perofeta's progression as a Blues player over the course of the coming years.
“Stevie’s development since he came the Blues five years ago has been remarkable, and off the back of an outstanding NPC for Taranaki, he has taken his game to another level, especially forming a unique partnership with Beauden,” MacDonald said.
“We are thrilled to have him on the field for at least two more years, while off it, he is one of the most popular people in our organisation, and a very good person who strongly represents our values.”
The Blues' retention of Perofeta comes in the same week that it was announced they had re-signed All Blacks star Caleb Clarke following speculation that he would switch codes to play in the NRL earlier this year.
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Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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