Highlanders 2021
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@stargazer said in Highlanders 2021:
@nostrildamus He has had limited game time this season, due to injury and the "party at Josh Ioane's", but my impression was that he had a reasonably quiet season, just like Sotutu. Not bad at all, but also not standing out positively like last year. Unfortunately, his injury has prevented him from stepping up as the season progressed and he won't play SR T-T, so we'll have to wait and see how he goes in NPC. I'm convinced he has ABs potential, but obviously, he still has to show it consistently on the field. Fortunately, they only signed Himeno for one season, so hopefully he'll get plenty of opportunities in the 8 jersey next season. I suspect he'll play at 6 for the Magpies again, with Devan Flanders preferred at 8.
Fair assessment; I think he's miles away from an AB 8 jersey.
Flanders looks much more likely as do the starters at every other franchise and the Canes (Ardie, Sotutu, Grace/Blackadder, Jacobson).
Right now I'd say that Flanders looks and ready for a black 8 jersey, but that's for another thread.
I do hope he comes back well but he has struggled to get involved on both sides of the ball.
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not too uset, Clarke should be more than up too it
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@kiwimurph doesnt sound great, especially coupled with the alleged incidents at the Chiefs hotel on Saturday night.
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Damn, will be interesting to see if details come out
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Not up to date with all these guys
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All good NPC players.
Fomai has represented Samoa in sevens, has been very good the last few seasons for the Magpies (at 13 and on the wing) and was in the Blues environment since preseason until about a month or so, ago. He has been with the Highlanders since.
Funaki played openside for Hawke's Bay, not at no. 8, but he probably can play all backrow positions. Really stepped up at the end of the 2020 NPC season with some great tries, esp. against Taranaki. Very physical, but green at SR level, of course. Has played sevens for Tonga. I saw him in a photo on instagram with Fomai and thought Fomai was back in the Bay haha; turns out Funaki was in Dunedin instead.
I can only remember seeing Timoci play for the Crusaders during preseason and he looked very promising. Strong winger.
Tim O'Malley has been a solid NPC players over the years. Always a bit on the fringes of SR selection.
The Stuff article @Bovidae is referring to, is this one:
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@stargazer cheers mate
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I see Collins confirmed going to ospreys
More of a loss for Otago than the highlanders but still
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An update on Frizell from stuff
Highlanders CEO Roger Clark said Frizell was not being punished for any wrongdoing by the club – because he had not been found guilty of breaking any laws. “I think it is important for us all to remember at this time, these are all allegations and no charges have been laid,’’ Clark said. “However these have been a distraction for the player, and the team. And in the best interests of everyone concerned, we are going to omit Shannon from the team this week.’’ Clark confirmed the Highlanders had investigated the incident but was leaving the issue to police until they had completed their enquiries. Police confirmed on Monday they were investigating following a report of an assault. Officers were not called to the incident, and police were notified of the allegations at noon on Sunday. Clark said it was his belief that charges wouldn’t be laid against the All Black. “I would be surprised,’’ Clark said. “That is just based on what I know. So it is a personal opinion.'' He reiterated that the allegation against Frizell had been a "massive distraction'' for the player and the club. "So it is important he (Frizell) gets a break from it.'' -
@stargazer Offhand, I don't recall Tavatavanawai playing NPC for Ta$man either - maybe a game off the bench? I think he might have been called in as injury cover last year - but, my memory is a bit dodgy these days.
Some decent size, but very green.
Tim O'Malley is a decent pick-up - he'll be as good as anyone else who's available at this point. He's a big man for a first five - sort of a poor man's Stephen Donald (no disrespect to either).
