Highlanders 2024
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2024:
@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2024:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2024:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:
While we still have three games left, it is always interesting to have a think about who may come and go. We certainly won't see 16 go like last year, there should still be a few though. Thinking to the start of the season my goal was to beat a NZ team (check), not be the worst NZ team (check), make the play offs (likely to scrape in), and get some answers about some of our young players (check). We have been walloped several times, that should have always been expected though. The Blues are a top side now. Five years ago they were dog tucker. It takes time turn things around.
- Hooker. Taylor and Bell stay. Jackson will probably stick around as the third hooker for another year.
New hooker already signed... not Coltman - I believe it is from another franchise, so someone could probably narrow it down pretty quickly considering all the good ones barring Thompson and Moananu are already signed... Jackson is probably goneburger.
- props: DLB and Ainsley goooone. The rest I'd say will be sticking around. No obvious replacements for those two. Hunter Fahey may be worth a look.
DLB is already signed for 2025... Fahey no thanks. We already have Wingham who is too fresh. They're looking for a big tighthead.
- locks: Parkinson and probably Hicks goone. No one jumps out in the local system. Hugo Plummer likely to get one of the spots.
Probably correct here... Tucker is off-contract I think, and Hicks probably more considered a loose-forward.
- loosies: The only players I can see leaving are Renton and Harmon. Both probably at a time in their careers where they could make a bit in Japan or elsewhere. Especially Harmon. There was a weird rumour floating around that the St George Dragons were looking at Renton. At least one needs to go to make room for Stodart in the loosie mix.
Renton is already signed for 2025, so would assume he sees out his contract. Harmon's contract status also unknown, but I'd pick he probably also has at least a year to run. I think he will want one more year before going. Could possibly be totally unchanged here except Stodart for Hicks.
- halfbacks: All three are under contract
- First five: Millar and Faleafaga under contract. Big opportunity for Byron Smith to have a good year with Southland.
Could we carry two 10s with Gilbert and Hurley in the squad to squeeze in an extra midfielder?
- Midfield: Te Hiwi, Gilbert and Tele'a will be there. This area likely to see our biggest shift in players. I can see Umaga-Jensen, Timu, M Whaanga moving on. Josh Whaanga replacing his brother. Jonah Lowe will be in the last year of his contract. I can see them deciding to use him primarily as midfield cover, to open up a spot for an outside back. Unless we can land one of the better 20/21 year old midfielders.
Believe we are looking for a midfielder
- outside backs: Bogado already confirmed to be leaving. Hurley coming in. @frugby has heard rumours of another outside back from a NZ Squad. Being a betting man, I reckon we will see Nareki head off-shore over the next couple of years to push for a Fijian WC spot. The player coming in might be for CGB, who surprisingly was pretty good in the games he played this year. So any new guy in, should be set up to replace Nareki. I think they have high hopes for Josh Augustine, he will be at least a couple of years away. Should get a glimpse of what he is like for Southland during the NPC. Seems to be doing some good things in Dunedin Club rugby.
Nareki contracted for next year. New outside back already signed to replace Bogado. According to the ODT Hurley also signed up, so that is probably for CGB... but as I say, wondering if they might just go with the two specialist 10s for a year so as to squeeze in an extra new player to the squad.
Good info mate. You say we have already signed an outside back, do you know who or have a pretty solid source?
No names, just know was sorted in Auckland. That could of course just be through an agent though, so wouldn't necessarily read too much into that.
Halo sports agency is based out of Auckland. But, so are most agdncies. Tangitau would be one completely out of the bag and probably be one of the franchises biggest ever signings. Not sure if I can see the Blues letting him go though. I hope Tele'a sticks around. He seems great value for the backline and there are stuff all alternatives around. With Nareki, I wasn't suggesting he'd go next year, just potentially before the World Cup. Hooker is really interesting. If Bell and Taylor are our top two going forward, it will be a weird move for a confirmed no3 elsewhere to move to Dunedin to be a third down there. That is fascinating about the 'why' for any player making the move.
I guess it’s either go for an older more experienced guy who knows he won’t play every week and is content being a number 3 or bring in another young promising player to compete for and 2 and 16 jerseys. Neither option has a down side in my opinion. If whoever the bring in is better than Bell or Taylor then so be it, that’s how you build teams and get better.
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@African-Monkey said in Highlanders 2024:
@Nogusta They should move, instead of sitting behind the current Blues options.
Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkins and Tele'a are examples of why you should look for regular action.
That list could be huge when you factor in other players who sat behind regular starters at other franchises. A few more for example, Nasi Manu, Luke Whitelock, Waisake Naholo, Malakai Fekitoa, Ash Dixon, Billy Harmon. Even Hugh Renton toiled away at the Canes and a Crusaders pre season.
The benefit of moving for game time is definitely there, even if finishing mid table doesn’t exactly appeal.
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An update on Tele'a from a paywalled ODT article
Tele’a picked up a grade 2 MCL injury and is out for three to six weeks. That means the rugged centre will miss the final two round-robin games and at least the first round of the playoffs. He will need the Highlanders to go deep if he is to suit up again this season. -
Peter Umaga Jenson and Riley Higgins extend in Hurricane land until the end of 2026. Two more midfielders we can put a line through. I suppose with Jordie getting that Ireland stint they are backing themselves to get more game time, still find it interesting when you could be the out and out starter elsewhere.
Its going to be very slim pickings for the Highlanders in the midfield come off season time. Here’s hoping TUG is staying and can also stay healthy.
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@Duluth said in Highlanders 2024:
An update on Tele'a from a paywalled ODT article
Tele’a picked up a grade 2 MCL injury and is out for three to six weeks. That means the rugged centre will miss the final two round-robin games and at least the first round of the playoffs. He will need the Highlanders to go deep if he is to suit up again this season.Ouch. I assume it’s Matt Whaanga or Timu who step up in either in 13 or 23 but I would love to blood Josh Whaanga and give him a taste of the big time.
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@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2024:
@Duluth said in Highlanders 2024:
An update on Tele'a from a paywalled ODT article
Tele’a picked up a grade 2 MCL injury and is out for three to six weeks. That means the rugged centre will miss the final two round-robin games and at least the first round of the playoffs. He will need the Highlanders to go deep if he is to suit up again this season.Ouch. I assume it’s Matt Whaanga or Timu who step up in either in 13 or 23 but I would love to blood Josh Whaanga and give him a taste of the big time.
I'd think it'll be the status quo of Gilbert and Te Hiwi for the last three games. With Tavatavanawai covering 13.
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:
@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2024:
@Duluth said in Highlanders 2024:
An update on Tele'a from a paywalled ODT article
Tele’a picked up a grade 2 MCL injury and is out for three to six weeks. That means the rugged centre will miss the final two round-robin games and at least the first round of the playoffs. He will need the Highlanders to go deep if he is to suit up again this season.Ouch. I assume it’s Matt Whaanga or Timu who step up in either in 13 or 23 but I would love to blood Josh Whaanga and give him a taste of the big time.
I'd think it'll be the status quo of Gilbert and Te Hiwi for the last three games. With Tavatavanawai covering 13.
Yup, sorry I should have been more clear. I meant behind them. Granted there’s only 2 most likely 3 games left.
If Tavatavanawai has to push into 13 we are in trouble.
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@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2024:
Peter Umaga Jenson and Riley Higgins extend in Hurricane land until the end of 2026. Two more midfielders we can put a line through. I suppose with Jordie getting that Ireland stint they are backing themselves to get more game time, still find it interesting when you could be the out and out starter elsewhere.
It’s going to be very slim pickings for the Highlanders in the midfield come off season time. Here’s hoping TUG is staying and can also stay healthy.
On top of this. Does anyone know Salesi Rayasi’s contract situation? Definitely a forgotten player at the Canes who gets the off game here and there with some small minutes off the bench. Has he resigned with Moorby leaving? Would be the most Highlanders type of signing ever and I wouldn’t be mad at it(only if CGB isn’t returning).
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@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2024:
@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2024:
Peter Umaga Jenson and Riley Higgins extend in Hurricane land until the end of 2026. Two more midfielders we can put a line through. I suppose with Jordie getting that Ireland stint they are backing themselves to get more game time, still find it interesting when you could be the out and out starter elsewhere.
It’s going to be very slim pickings for the Highlanders in the midfield come off season time. Here’s hoping TUG is staying and can also stay healthy.
On top of this. Does anyone know Salesi Rayasi’s contract situation? Definitely a forgotten player at the Canes who gets the off game here and there with some small minutes off the bench. Has he resigned with Moorby leaving? Would be the most Highlanders type of signing ever and I wouldn’t be mad at it(only if CGB isn’t returning).
Don't want Rayasi, for his ability, age and perceived attitude.
Realistically the Highlanders now need to shop for the next great winger... so under 22. Whether it is Tangitau, Stanley Solomon etc. I think that is the move. Probably the same in the midfield too considering what is available on the open market.
What I'd really love to see us do, is hang on to Tele'a, and find a stop gap from overseas for a year. Joseph has some good connections, could we find someone?
Going forward, the onus is on Te Hiwi and Whaanga to fill 2/5 midfield slots. Tele'a probably only here for one more year at best though you never know... Gilbert to me feels like the obvious one to cut long-term, unless you keep him on as a utility player who acts as the 3rd 10. Gives us plenty to work with come 2026, which is why we need to get someone who is 22> who is primed and ready to go for then.
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Highlanders players by minutes:
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i said a couple of weeks ago this has too be our most consistent squad for a long time, having outside backs that are not only performing well...but playing the most minutes is unheard of
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@Grooter said in Highlanders 2024:
It was announced at the landers awards Dinner tonight that leaving us will be Ainsley, Patchell, Bogado, Pari Parkinson, Connor Garden Bachop & Billy Harmon..
Sad to see Harmon go, but it seemed reasonably obvious to me he was a leading candidate to be leaving. Stodart replaces him as a full squad member. Remembering Hayden Michaels, as an openside didn't even get on the paddock this season. Hurley replaces Bogado. Who knows who will come in for the other guys. Interesting Jackson's name isn't there.
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:
@Grooter said in Highlanders 2024:
It was announced at the landers awards Dinner tonight that leaving us will be Ainsley, Patchell, Bogado, Pari Parkinson, Connor Garden Bachop & Billy Harmon..
Interesting Jackson's name isn't there.
I doubt this is a full list... the oil is that we have signed J Whaanga, so you'd assume at least one of Timu, M Whaanga and TUJ is out the door... not to mention we have signed a hooker.
It may be more that, these are the guys who have already signed contracts elsewhere so there is no chance that they will be re-signed?
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@Grooter said in Highlanders 2024:
It was announced at the landers awards Dinner tonight that leaving us will be Ainsley, Patchell, Bogado, Pari Parkinson, Connor Garden Bachop & Billy Harmon..
Any word on where these guys are heading?
Harmon and Ainsley definitely the biggest losses there. I wonder if Parkinson will go overseas or sign with another club. A shame he never pushed on because he initially showed so much promise. I remember one game in Christchurch where he pretty much single handedly dominated the Crusaders and then he got injured. Haven't seen a performance like that from him since.
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@frugby said in Highlanders 2024:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:
@Grooter said in Highlanders 2024:
It was announced at the landers awards Dinner tonight that leaving us will be Ainsley, Patchell, Bogado, Pari Parkinson, Connor Garden Bachop & Billy Harmon..
Interesting Jackson's name isn't there.
I doubt this is a full list... the oil is that we have signed J Whaanga, so you'd assume at least one of Timu, M Whaanga and TUJ is out the door... not to mention we have signed a hooker.
It may be more that, these are the guys who have already signed contracts elsewhere so there is no chance that they will be re-signed?
Matt Whaanga and TUJ are essentially the same contracted player. I'd think Timu has run his course, and they may want to move on from TUJ, due to him being an injury prone one trick pony. It is just who else is out there. Do they go after one of the NZ U20 guys, as well as Whaanga. It seems like most of the other young midfielders are sewn up. @Canes4life I would highly doubt other NZ franchises would be too keen on an injury prone 140kg lock with mobility issues, who is unwanted by the Highlanders. Ainsley and Bogado are going to France. Patchell was only ever a one year deal. Harmon is probably getting some yen. Wonder if they are trying to get him to go where Frizzell is? Surely the other lads are off overaeas too.
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@SouthernMann yeah I was just thinking about GCB, hope he's not coming home and has signed for the Canes. I think we can do better than him tbh. The Hurricanes, Highlanders and Crusaders will be in a battle to sign outside back talent for next year.
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no real surprises, im a CGB fan so sorry to see him go, i would have been happy too see more of him, probably last year before we brought in JRK and TT
sorry we havent got too see TUJ and Tela out there together....that could have done some real damage, definitely expecting to see more new re midfield, we have guys that just arent being used so you have to think they will want to find other opportunities
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CGB had every chance possible to lock down positions over the last four or five? Years. When he was going well, he was fantastic to watch. When he wasn't going well. It was rather frustrating. I hope he gets a decent gig somewhere. It will be interesting to see who we do pick up a part from Hurley.
