TELEA CELEBRATES ALL BLACKS CALL-UP WITH CONTRACT EXTENSION

Super-exciting winger, Mark Telea, who has joined the All Blacks as a replacement, will extend his time with the Blues and North Harbour.

The 25-year-old from West Auckland is a product of the North Harbour programme, involved in the wider training group at both the Blues and Hurricanes in 2019 before earning his rookie stripes at the Blues in 2020.

Telea was an instant stand-out, starting in all 14 games that season and topping the try-scorers with seven, including three tries against the Waratahs and a crucial diving try against the Bulls in Pretoria.

He moved to Tasman to be part of their championship NPC team in 2020 but has returned to Harbour this season.

Telea is noted for his outstanding aerial skills, elusive running and strong defence, which has been rewarded with his call-up to the All Blacks.

“Mark is one of those players with a very special attacking skillset which is vital in the modern game,” said Blues head coach Leon MacDonald. “He is great in the air, can beat players with his step and has real gas on the outside. But don’t be fooled that it is all natural. He is one of the hardest working players in our squad and everything that comes his way has been hard-earned.”

Telea said he is excited to extend his stay with the Blues until the end of 2023.

“It is a good environment and a great bunch of boys. We work really hard on the training field but we are tight and enjoy eachother’s company off it.

“I am proud to represent the Blues. I’m continuing to learn so much and as a team we have a lot more to come and I want to be part of that.”

In three seasons Telea has amassed 39 caps for the Blues and 15 tries, again making the highlight reels with a spectacular effort against the Rebels at Eden Park this season.