Highlanders 2024

frugby

Even if we sign four shitters (which I don't think we will), this is already a handy top 23:

de Groot
H Bell
Ainsley
Holland
Dunshea
Withy
Harmon
Renton/Broughton/Sanders
Fakatava
Millar
Nareki
Gilbert
T Umaga-Jensen
Bogado
Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Taylor
Lienert-Brown
Ma'u
Parkinson
Broughton/Sanders
Hastie
Faleafaga
Te Hiwi

Without having any oil on exact names, from what I have heard I'd guess you'll see PUJ and Patchell take up the spots in 10/22 and 13/23. The hooker situation will depend on who they can get, but suspect Taylor will be eased in as he is so young... Hika Elliot might be available, probably worked with Dave Dillon at the Steamers. Would be a good laugh. Then the winger, I expect to be announced tomorrow and I'm hopeful of Fihaki or Tavatavanawai, who would both start at 14. Otherwise, it will be a backup guy, but I think Martin could well light it up next year.

Chris

@frugby

George’s Bell has a 3 year contract at the Crusaders.

frugby

@Chris Yes I know. I'm talking about from 2026. It will never happen, but I'll keep my hopes up even in the dark days when he scores a match winner at FBS

frugby

Anyway, main thing to note is that Jonah Lowe's three year contract is the last of the dumb signings during the disastrous 2020-23 era. Can't really complain about any of the recruitment for 2024. Sanders would be the only one I'd question thus far, and even that is a fairly solid addition.

Chris

@frugby
If Dunshea and Sanders stay Fit they will be a good couple of signings,Both have a hard edge to them and will not shirk the tough stuff.

Yeetyaah

Heard some whispers about Timoci Tavatavanawai being announced tomorrow, can't really say how credible it is though.

Chris

@Yeetyaah

It would make sense he recently turned down Fiji as he wanted to try for the ABs like Amua.

SouthernMann

An all Fijian back three will be pretty cool under the roof.

NateHill74

All Fijian, who would the full back be, Jona 11, Timoci 14, ?? 15

Grooter

@NateHill74 said in Highlanders 2024:

All Fijian, who would the full back be, Jona 11, Timoci 14, ?? 15

Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens is half Fijian

NateHill74

@FakatavaABXV Right okay

Daffy Jaffy

Former Crusader winger Manasa Mataele is leaving the Force. Still only 26, could be an outside back option?

SBW1

@Daffy-Jaffy He used to be a Crusader and last year played for Canterbury in the NPC.

cgrant

@frugby said in Highlanders 2024:

Even if we sign four shitters (which I don't think we will), this is already a handy top 23:

de Groot

H Bell

Ainsley

Holland

Dunshea

Withy

Harmon

Renton/Broughton/Sanders

Fakatava

Millar

Nareki

Gilbert

T Umaga-Jensen

Bogado

Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Taylor

Lienert-Brown

Ma'u

Parkinson

Broughton/Sanders

Hastie

Faleafaga

Te Hiwi

Without having any oil on exact names, from what I have heard I'd guess you'll see PUJ and Patchell take up the spots in 10/22 and 13/23. The hooker situation will depend on who they can get, but suspect Taylor will be eased in as he is so young... Hika Elliot might be available, probably worked with Dave Dillon at the Steamers. Would be a good laugh. Then the winger, I expect to be announced tomorrow and I'm hopeful of Fihaki or Tavatavanawai, who would both start at 14. Otherwise, it will be a backup guy, but I think Martin could well light it up next year.

I could see Inch leapfrog Lienert Brown on the bench.

Bones

@cgrant we are going to need every inch we can get.

Yeetyaah

Hey cool my source was correct

SouthernMann

All these signings makes me think back to a Roger Clark quote earlier in the year where he basically said the backline was rubbish and wouldn't start for any other side. We look at who will be running around next year. The only survivors in the top side will be Gilbert/Umaga-Jensen at 12. It is a full clean out.

taniwharugby

@Yeetyaah thats a good signing for the Highlanders, big loss for MP though, more so after losing Aumua as well...

Chris

With just a hooker and a MF left to fill the Highlanders squad,I don’t see where this Crusader being signed is coming from.

Daffy Jaffy

I would be interested to read opinion on Patchell and what he will bring to the team from @MiketheSnow.

The Silver Fern

Highlanders 2024