Highlanders 2019 Discussion
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The legend of Marty Banks
It's not easy to find an apt place to begin the Legend of Marty Banks, first-five and reluctant raconteur whose sinuous journey from the coal mines...
Marty Banks has signed for three years in Japan, but does that leave an opening for him to play Super rugby?
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@chris-b I assume it doesn't because normally, when players sign for a stint in Japan, they do it with NZR's blessing and only for one, or at most two seasons. Basically to keep them in NZ for longer. Banks signed with a Japanese club from Italy, so nothing to do with NZR. But obviously, NZR can bend its own rules.
Edited to add that James Marshall is an example where they allowed the Canes to sign him. Marshall signed with a Japanese club (from England) for - I think - two seasons and will play for the Canes in 2019.
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ODT is reporting Marty Banks will likely be back at the Highlanders.
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@southernmann Cool. Only have to read that article above to see why he's such a popular player.
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If I was the highlanders I’d go after Mitch hunt. Never going to get ahead of Richie M and we have a couple of young guys ( Brett Cameron Fergus Burke) who hopefully will kick on.
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@chchfanatic That would have to be for the 2020 season. He's signed for next year
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Forwards Hookers: Liam Coltman, Ash Dixon, Ray Niuia*
Props: Daniel Lienert-Brown, Josh Iosefa-Scott, Ayden Johnstone, Siate Tokolahi, Tyrel Lomax, Sef Fa’agase*
Locks: Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Pari Pari Parkinson, Josh Dickson, Jack Whetton*
Loose Forwards: Luke Whitelock, Liam Squire, James Lentjes, Dillon Hunt, Marino Mikaele Tu’u, Shannon Frizell, Elliot DixonBacks Halfbacks: Aaron Smith, Kayne Hammington, Folau Fakatava*
First-Fives: Bryn Gatland*, Josh Ioane, Marty Banks
Midfielders: Rob Thompson, Patelesio Tomkinson, Teihorangi Walden, Richard Buckman, Matt Faddes, Thomas Umaga-Jensen
Outside Backs: Waisake Naholo, Tevita Li, Tevita Nabura, Josh McKay, Ben SmithAppare
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@southernmann Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy, Folau Fakatava!!! Stupid Canes, you've lost that one!
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@southernmann Marty Banks coming back was well telegraphed, but that is a pretty important pick-up for the Highlanders - if he can stay fit and hasn't lost any of his magic overseas.
Ray Niuia is a decent pick-up from the Mako. He went OK as Makalio's back-up and grew on me as the season went on. Should be a reasonable third hooker.
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@stargazer FFS. Are you kidding me. Canes are blind.
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@stargazer @Canes4life Awesome! The Canes are idiots.
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What is this halfback like? Good long term replacement for Smith?
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@nepia How many times have they f'd up over the years. The recruiters are out of their league.
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@canes4life It could be worse - you could be the Blues.
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@kiwimurph This is true, but seriously Judd & Christie instead of Folau - you have to be kidding me. I hope McClutchie doesn't follow suit.
