Highlanders 2025
-
@Daffy-Jaffy said in Highlanders 2025:
@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:
Max Hicks (?)
Transferts - Info RP : Max Hicks (Highlanders) vers Perpignan - Rugby Prime
En quête d’un renfort en troisième ligne, l’USA Perpignan a, selon nos informations, trouvé son bonheur du côté de la Nouvelle-Zélande. Franck Azéma cherchait un profil capable également d’évoluer dans la cage et le Néo-Zélandais Max Hicks répond parfaitement à ce dit-profil. Devant faire face aux...
Good luck to him. A player like him should be a starting player somewhere. It just wasn't going to be at the Landers. 2024 was a moving year for him, either he was going to be locking down a starting role at lock or six, or it was time to go. He quickly slipped behind Haig as a six and wasn't going to get past Holland or Dunshea.
-
@SouthernMann I mean, if he couldn’t consistently start for the Highlanders he wouldn’t be able to start for any other super team haha.
Good for him, wish him all the best. Can’t help but feel like this is another Manaaki Selby-Rickit kind of player that has all the potential but for one reason or another hasn’t quite clicked.
-
@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann I mean, if he couldn’t consistently start for the Highlanders he wouldn’t be able to start for any other super team haha.
Good for him, wish him all the best. Can’t help but feel like this is another Manaaki Selby-Rickit kind of player that has all the potential but for one reason or another hasn’t quite clicked.
By a starting player somewhere, I meant including outside of NZ. He has all the attributes. Tall, athletic and capable. Just was probably a touch soft. Hopefully he gets plenty of rugby over in France and gets to enjoy the lifestyle.
-
Really interested to see how the Landers manage the trio of halfbacks currently on the books to have a spot open for Dylan Pledger in the coming years. Hastie is contracted until the end of 2026. Fakatava until the end of 2025. Arscott's initial contract ran out at the end this year. I wouldn't be surprised, if he got a one year extension. To have both him and Fakatava off-contract at the end of next year. Fakatava goes, Arscott is re-signed. Fakatava stays, Arscott stays. Either way, spot opens up for Pledger. Fakatava is now, at best the sixth best halfback in NZ. It is a long way to fight back into contention from there. Pledger still has anorher year in Highlanders ans NZ U20s. He should be an even more dominant player in those trams next season.
-
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
Really interested to see how the Landers manage the trio of halfbacks currently on the books to have a spot open for Dylan Pledger in the coming years. Hastie is contracted until the end of 2026. Fakatava until the end of 2025. Arscott's initial contract ran out at the end this year. I wouldn't be surprised, if he got a one year extension. To have both him and Fakatava off-contract at the end of next year. Fakatava goes, Arscott is re-signed. Fakatava stays, Arscott stays. Either way, spot opens up for Pledger. Fakatava is now, at best the sixth best halfback in NZ. It is a long way to fight back into contention from there. Pledger still has anorher year in Highlanders ans NZ U20s. He should be an even more dominant player in those trams next season.
I did hear Craig Dunlea was having a bit of a chat to Pledger about a potential Pathway to NPC and SR during the U/20s campaign at the WC.
-
@Chris said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
Really interested to see how the Landers manage the trio of halfbacks currently on the books to have a spot open for Dylan Pledger in the coming years. Hastie is contracted until the end of 2026. Fakatava until the end of 2025. Arscott's initial contract ran out at the end this year. I wouldn't be surprised, if he got a one year extension. To have both him and Fakatava off-contract at the end of next year. Fakatava goes, Arscott is re-signed. Fakatava stays, Arscott stays. Either way, spot opens up for Pledger. Fakatava is now, at best the sixth best halfback in NZ. It is a long way to fight back into contention from there. Pledger still has anorher year in Highlanders ans NZ U20s. He should be an even more dominant player in those trams next season.
I did hear Craig Dunlea was having a bit of a chat to Pledger about a potential Pathway to NPC and SR during the U/20s campaign at the WC.
Trying to get him up to Canterbury. That would be very disappointing to see happen. Canterbury has the No2 halfback in the U20s. Crusaders have a guy debuting for the All Blacks this afternoon. Is it really necessary to be raiding someone else's honeypot.
-
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@Chris said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
Really interested to see how the Landers manage the trio of halfbacks currently on the books to have a spot open for Dylan Pledger in the coming years. Hastie is contracted until the end of 2026. Fakatava until the end of 2025. Arscott's initial contract ran out at the end this year. I wouldn't be surprised, if he got a one year extension. To have both him and Fakatava off-contract at the end of next year. Fakatava goes, Arscott is re-signed. Fakatava stays, Arscott stays. Either way, spot opens up for Pledger. Fakatava is now, at best the sixth best halfback in NZ. It is a long way to fight back into contention from there. Pledger still has anorher year in Highlanders ans NZ U20s. He should be an even more dominant player in those trams next season.
I did hear Craig Dunlea was having a bit of a chat to Pledger about a potential Pathway to NPC and SR during the U/20s campaign at the WC.
Trying to get him up to Canterbury. That would be very disappointing to see happen. Canterbury has the No2 halfback in the U20s. Crusaders have a guy debuting for the All Blacks this afternoon. Is it really necessary to be raiding someone else's honeypot.
I think they have a gap in their NPC team only Drummond atm and Crusaders only have 2 signed HBs atm.
So I guess giving the young man a chance to progress to the next levels instead of having to wait behind others.
In the end it his Dylans choice and when he wants and how fast he wants to progress.
I have do not exactly know what was said just that Pathways to NPC and SR was discussed.I don't even know if what was discussed had anything about where those pathways are etc.edit and before anyone asks how do I know, parents were in earshot of the conversation and I know them obviously.
-
@Chris said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@Chris said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
Really interested to see how the Landers manage the trio of halfbacks currently on the books to have a spot open for Dylan Pledger in the coming years. Hastie is contracted until the end of 2026. Fakatava until the end of 2025. Arscott's initial contract ran out at the end this year. I wouldn't be surprised, if he got a one year extension. To have both him and Fakatava off-contract at the end of next year. Fakatava goes, Arscott is re-signed. Fakatava stays, Arscott stays. Either way, spot opens up for Pledger. Fakatava is now, at best the sixth best halfback in NZ. It is a long way to fight back into contention from there. Pledger still has anorher year in Highlanders ans NZ U20s. He should be an even more dominant player in those trams next season.
I did hear Craig Dunlea was having a bit of a chat to Pledger about a potential Pathway to NPC and SR during the U/20s campaign at the WC.
Trying to get him up to Canterbury. That would be very disappointing to see happen. Canterbury has the No2 halfback in the U20s. Crusaders have a guy debuting for the All Blacks this afternoon. Is it really necessary to be raiding someone else's honeypot.
I think they have a gap in their NPC team only Drummond atm and Crusaders only have 2 signed HBs atm.
So I guess giving the young man a chance to progress to the next levels instead of having to wait behind others.
In the end it his Dylans choice and when he wants and how fast he wants to progress.
I have do not exactly know what was said just that Pathways to NPC and SR was discussed.I don't even know if what was discussed had anything about where those pathways are etc.Yeah. Completely up to him. He is clearly better long-term than the three halfbacks we have on our books. So, should get his opportunity at about 20 down in Dunedin. It would be a massive failure for Jamie Joseph if he lets the kid slip. You need to be constantly telling kids like this the story they need to be hearing. If he goes, it will mean we only keep the players Canterbury/Crusaders don't want. They will literally become the default top franchise in the SI. The top two players from the last five years schooled in Dunedin could spend their career in red and black. Canterbury wouldn't allow their elite players to go in the other direction.
-
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@Chris said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@Chris said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
Really interested to see how the Landers manage the trio of halfbacks currently on the books to have a spot open for Dylan Pledger in the coming years. Hastie is contracted until the end of 2026. Fakatava until the end of 2025. Arscott's initial contract ran out at the end this year. I wouldn't be surprised, if he got a one year extension. To have both him and Fakatava off-contract at the end of next year. Fakatava goes, Arscott is re-signed. Fakatava stays, Arscott stays. Either way, spot opens up for Pledger. Fakatava is now, at best the sixth best halfback in NZ. It is a long way to fight back into contention from there. Pledger still has anorher year in Highlanders ans NZ U20s. He should be an even more dominant player in those trams next season.
I did hear Craig Dunlea was having a bit of a chat to Pledger about a potential Pathway to NPC and SR during the U/20s campaign at the WC.
Trying to get him up to Canterbury. That would be very disappointing to see happen. Canterbury has the No2 halfback in the U20s. Crusaders have a guy debuting for the All Blacks this afternoon. Is it really necessary to be raiding someone else's honeypot.
I think they have a gap in their NPC team only Drummond atm and Crusaders only have 2 signed HBs atm.
So I guess giving the young man a chance to progress to the next levels instead of having to wait behind others.
In the end it his Dylans choice and when he wants and how fast he wants to progress.
I have do not exactly know what was said just that Pathways to NPC and SR was discussed.I don't even know if what was discussed had anything about where those pathways are etc.Yeah. Completely up to him. He is clearly better long-term than the three halfbacks we have on our books. So, should get his opportunity at about 20 down in Dunedin. It would be a massive failure for Jamie Joseph if he lets the kid slip. You need to be constantly telling kids like this the story they need to be hearing. If he goes, it will mean we only keep the players Canterbury/Crusaders don't want. They will literally become the default top franchise in the SI. The top two players from the last five years schooled in Dunedin could spend their career in red and black. Canterbury wouldn't allow their elite players to go in the other direction.
yeah true not to say he will go he may stay at the Highlanders.Crusaders may not be the only team sniffing around.
. -
@Chris said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@Chris said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@Chris said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
Really interested to see how the Landers manage the trio of halfbacks currently on the books to have a spot open for Dylan Pledger in the coming years. Hastie is contracted until the end of 2026. Fakatava until the end of 2025. Arscott's initial contract ran out at the end this year. I wouldn't be surprised, if he got a one year extension. To have both him and Fakatava off-contract at the end of next year. Fakatava goes, Arscott is re-signed. Fakatava stays, Arscott stays. Either way, spot opens up for Pledger. Fakatava is now, at best the sixth best halfback in NZ. It is a long way to fight back into contention from there. Pledger still has anorher year in Highlanders ans NZ U20s. He should be an even more dominant player in those trams next season.
I did hear Craig Dunlea was having a bit of a chat to Pledger about a potential Pathway to NPC and SR during the U/20s campaign at the WC.
Trying to get him up to Canterbury. That would be very disappointing to see happen. Canterbury has the No2 halfback in the U20s. Crusaders have a guy debuting for the All Blacks this afternoon. Is it really necessary to be raiding someone else's honeypot.
I think they have a gap in their NPC team only Drummond atm and Crusaders only have 2 signed HBs atm.
So I guess giving the young man a chance to progress to the next levels instead of having to wait behind others.
In the end it his Dylans choice and when he wants and how fast he wants to progress.
I have do not exactly know what was said just that Pathways to NPC and SR was discussed.I don't even know if what was discussed had anything about where those pathways are etc.Yeah. Completely up to him. He is clearly better long-term than the three halfbacks we have on our books. So, should get his opportunity at about 20 down in Dunedin. It would be a massive failure for Jamie Joseph if he lets the kid slip. You need to be constantly telling kids like this the story they need to be hearing. If he goes, it will mean we only keep the players Canterbury/Crusaders don't want. They will literally become the default top franchise in the SI. The top two players from the last five years schooled in Dunedin could spend their career in red and black. Canterbury wouldn't allow their elite players to go in the other direction.
yeah true not to say he will go he may stay at the Highlanders.Crusaders may not be the only team sniffing around.
.Every team should be having a look. From a NZ rugby perspective if Pledger, Hotham, Roigard, Ratima and Funaki starting every week. It has to be good for the All Blacks. I also find it a bit shit domestic coaches use their role in national development programmss to scope for talent and to have conversations around signing players. That should be strongly discouraged while tournaments are being held or prepared for.
-
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@Chris said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@Chris said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@Chris said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
Really interested to see how the Landers manage the trio of halfbacks currently on the books to have a spot open for Dylan Pledger in the coming years. Hastie is contracted until the end of 2026. Fakatava until the end of 2025. Arscott's initial contract ran out at the end this year. I wouldn't be surprised, if he got a one year extension. To have both him and Fakatava off-contract at the end of next year. Fakatava goes, Arscott is re-signed. Fakatava stays, Arscott stays. Either way, spot opens up for Pledger. Fakatava is now, at best the sixth best halfback in NZ. It is a long way to fight back into contention from there. Pledger still has anorher year in Highlanders ans NZ U20s. He should be an even more dominant player in those trams next season.
I did hear Craig Dunlea was having a bit of a chat to Pledger about a potential Pathway to NPC and SR during the U/20s campaign at the WC.
Trying to get him up to Canterbury. That would be very disappointing to see happen. Canterbury has the No2 halfback in the U20s. Crusaders have a guy debuting for the All Blacks this afternoon. Is it really necessary to be raiding someone else's honeypot.
I think they have a gap in their NPC team only Drummond atm and Crusaders only have 2 signed HBs atm.
So I guess giving the young man a chance to progress to the next levels instead of having to wait behind others.
In the end it his Dylans choice and when he wants and how fast he wants to progress.
I have do not exactly know what was said just that Pathways to NPC and SR was discussed.I don't even know if what was discussed had anything about where those pathways are etc.Yeah. Completely up to him. He is clearly better long-term than the three halfbacks we have on our books. So, should get his opportunity at about 20 down in Dunedin. It would be a massive failure for Jamie Joseph if he lets the kid slip. You need to be constantly telling kids like this the story they need to be hearing. If he goes, it will mean we only keep the players Canterbury/Crusaders don't want. They will literally become the default top franchise in the SI. The top two players from the last five years schooled in Dunedin could spend their career in red and black. Canterbury wouldn't allow their elite players to go in the other direction.
yeah true not to say he will go he may stay at the Highlanders.Crusaders may not be the only team sniffing around.
.Every team should be having a look. From a NZ rugby perspective if Pledger, Hotham, Roigard, Ratima and Funaki starting every week. It has to be good for the All Blacks. I also find it a bit shit domestic coaches use their role in national development programmss to scope for talent and to have conversations around signing players. That should be strongly discouraged while tournaments are being held or prepared for.
This as been happening for years every Franchise does it .
-
-
@Chris said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@Chris said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@Chris said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@Chris said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
Really interested to see how the Landers manage the trio of halfbacks currently on the books to have a spot open for Dylan Pledger in the coming years. Hastie is contracted until the end of 2026. Fakatava until the end of 2025. Arscott's initial contract ran out at the end this year. I wouldn't be surprised, if he got a one year extension. To have both him and Fakatava off-contract at the end of next year. Fakatava goes, Arscott is re-signed. Fakatava stays, Arscott stays. Either way, spot opens up for Pledger. Fakatava is now, at best the sixth best halfback in NZ. It is a long way to fight back into contention from there. Pledger still has anorher year in Highlanders ans NZ U20s. He should be an even more dominant player in those trams next season.
I did hear Craig Dunlea was having a bit of a chat to Pledger about a potential Pathway to NPC and SR during the U/20s campaign at the WC.
Trying to get him up to Canterbury. That would be very disappointing to see happen. Canterbury has the No2 halfback in the U20s. Crusaders have a guy debuting for the All Blacks this afternoon. Is it really necessary to be raiding someone else's honeypot.
I think they have a gap in their NPC team only Drummond atm and Crusaders only have 2 signed HBs atm.
So I guess giving the young man a chance to progress to the next levels instead of having to wait behind others.
In the end it his Dylans choice and when he wants and how fast he wants to progress.
I have do not exactly know what was said just that Pathways to NPC and SR was discussed.I don't even know if what was discussed had anything about where those pathways are etc.Yeah. Completely up to him. He is clearly better long-term than the three halfbacks we have on our books. So, should get his opportunity at about 20 down in Dunedin. It would be a massive failure for Jamie Joseph if he lets the kid slip. You need to be constantly telling kids like this the story they need to be hearing. If he goes, it will mean we only keep the players Canterbury/Crusaders don't want. They will literally become the default top franchise in the SI. The top two players from the last five years schooled in Dunedin could spend their career in red and black. Canterbury wouldn't allow their elite players to go in the other direction.
yeah true not to say he will go he may stay at the Highlanders.Crusaders may not be the only team sniffing around.
.Every team should be having a look. From a NZ rugby perspective if Pledger, Hotham, Roigard, Ratima and Funaki starting every week. It has to be good for the All Blacks. I also find it a bit shit domestic coaches use their role in national development programmss to scope for talent and to have conversations around signing players. That should be strongly discouraged while tournaments are being held or prepared for.
This as been happening for years every Franchise does it .
It doesn't mean it is the right thing to do. From a principled perspective. Yes, most coaches have a franchise or provincial affiliations. We don't have a system were 18 year olds are generally signed to long-term deals like the NRL or football. Yet the lucky dip of who is coaching gets their province an advantage when chasing the top talent in the country. It does all come to the player's choice, but it should be that based on informed decisions, not because a provincial coach is in their ear for a month during an overseas tournament.
-
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@Chris said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@Chris said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@Chris said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@Chris said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
Really interested to see how the Landers manage the trio of halfbacks currently on the books to have a spot open for Dylan Pledger in the coming years. Hastie is contracted until the end of 2026. Fakatava until the end of 2025. Arscott's initial contract ran out at the end this year. I wouldn't be surprised, if he got a one year extension. To have both him and Fakatava off-contract at the end of next year. Fakatava goes, Arscott is re-signed. Fakatava stays, Arscott stays. Either way, spot opens up for Pledger. Fakatava is now, at best the sixth best halfback in NZ. It is a long way to fight back into contention from there. Pledger still has anorher year in Highlanders ans NZ U20s. He should be an even more dominant player in those trams next season.
I did hear Craig Dunlea was having a bit of a chat to Pledger about a potential Pathway to NPC and SR during the U/20s campaign at the WC.
Trying to get him up to Canterbury. That would be very disappointing to see happen. Canterbury has the No2 halfback in the U20s. Crusaders have a guy debuting for the All Blacks this afternoon. Is it really necessary to be raiding someone else's honeypot.
I think they have a gap in their NPC team only Drummond atm and Crusaders only have 2 signed HBs atm.
So I guess giving the young man a chance to progress to the next levels instead of having to wait behind others.
In the end it his Dylans choice and when he wants and how fast he wants to progress.
I have do not exactly know what was said just that Pathways to NPC and SR was discussed.I don't even know if what was discussed had anything about where those pathways are etc.Yeah. Completely up to him. He is clearly better long-term than the three halfbacks we have on our books. So, should get his opportunity at about 20 down in Dunedin. It would be a massive failure for Jamie Joseph if he lets the kid slip. You need to be constantly telling kids like this the story they need to be hearing. If he goes, it will mean we only keep the players Canterbury/Crusaders don't want. They will literally become the default top franchise in the SI. The top two players from the last five years schooled in Dunedin could spend their career in red and black. Canterbury wouldn't allow their elite players to go in the other direction.
yeah true not to say he will go he may stay at the Highlanders.Crusaders may not be the only team sniffing around.
.Every team should be having a look. From a NZ rugby perspective if Pledger, Hotham, Roigard, Ratima and Funaki starting every week. It has to be good for the All Blacks. I also find it a bit shit domestic coaches use their role in national development programmss to scope for talent and to have conversations around signing players. That should be strongly discouraged while tournaments are being held or prepared for.
This as been happening for years every Franchise does it .
It doesn't mean it is the right thing to do. From a principled perspective. Yes, most coaches have a franchise or provincial affiliations. We don't have a system were 18 year olds are generally signed to long-term deals like the NRL or football. Yet the lucky dip of who is coaching gets their province an advantage when chasing the top talent in the country. It does all come to the player's choice, but it should be that based on informed decisions, not because a provincial coach is in their ear for a month during an overseas tournament.
Yeah I didn't say it was the right thing to do,Just that is as been happening for many years.
-
-
@Bovidae said in Highlanders 2025:
@Mr-Fish said in Highlanders 2025:
Crusaders/Canterbury are apparently interested in Rebels halfback Mason Gordon (Carter Gordon's younger brother) too.
He's a 10/15.
@Chris Canty still has Joel Lam don't they?
Carter's a 10 but pretty sure Mason played halfback for the Rebels this year?
Edit: Whoops no, I'm speaking out of my ass. Don't mind me!
-
@Bovidae said in Highlanders 2025:
@Mr-Fish said in Highlanders 2025:
Crusaders/Canterbury are apparently interested in Rebels halfback Mason Gordon (Carter Gordon's younger brother) too.
He's a 10/15.
@Chris Canty still has Joel Lam don't they?
Yeah plus Nick Shearer the NZ u/19 HB from 2022
-
@Bovidae said in Highlanders 2025:
@Mr-Fish said in Highlanders 2025:
Canty still has Joel Lam don't they?Yes. Has had a good club season and is in and around Crusaders training group(not contracted) with the idea he will benefit from it leading into NPC. Anyway, wrong thread for this chat haha.
Agree with @SouthernMann, if JJ lets Pledger slip away that would be a terrible start to his reign. Personally, I think he will be all over it, he knows how important a class 9 is and he used Aaron Smith as that guy when he recruited him back in 2011. Here’s hoping JJ has that same approach in mind with Pledger. It shouldn't take much convincing when 2 of the 3 in front of you are Arscott and Hastie…
-
This whole Pledger thing has me thinking about contract renewals because for the first time in a while we have loads of talent actually worth keeping hold of. All very well bringing in new guys, but hard to achieve anything if they don't stick around.
I'd like to see extensions for Holland, Dunshea, Fakatava, Tele'a, JRK, Nareki and Tavatavanawai all secured before we start next season. Reckon the first two will be easy, and JRK at his age should be relatively straight forward too. The others are a bit more complex.
Fakatava's future will depend on how the rest of this year goes... with the rate ABs halfbacks are dropping, he might just get a chance, and if he grasps it, then obviously he is back in the frame and will want to stay. This is however unlikely, and at this stage I expect him to leave at the end of next season as one of the ultimate what if players.
Tele'a is off-contract, so this is a real priority... reckon this is probably a case of no news is good news, because most of the players leaving have their futures sorted by now, so I'd assume they've signed him. Hopefully announced soon.
Nareki and Tavatavanawai will both be 27 when next season starts, so sort of that age for wingers... not sure they'll be in any rush with Tavatavanawai particularly, though he isn't heavily reliant on pace so he might age okay... he himself may want to head off-shore though. Nareki I think has all the ball-playing skills to suggest he could move into centre as he ages, so would be really keen to see him re-signed.
