Highlanders 2025
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I don't have high hopes in terms of landing an experienced tighthead. We are obviously trying to look under every rock, and most are coming up empty. I think we will probably end up with a player that makes most of us go WTF. A sort of Freddie Burns type player, but at tighthead. On the plus side, a lot of our guys have been having very good NPCs; Fakatava, JRK (needs to go back to FB though), Tavatavanawai, Withy, Holland (when not injured), Haig, Ma'u. Good to see Renton back as well, will be a cracking battle between him, Broughton and Stodart for the 8 jersey. The development of Arscott and Hastie is a concern though.
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Interesting times coming up at halfback. Pledger is clearly our most talented player in that possie. Just at the moment he still has the physical make up of a kid straight out of school. Which he is. Hastie is contracted through to the end of 2026, Fakatava through to the end of next season and unsure of Arcsott. Fakatava is now a dominant NPC halfback, who has never quite hit the levels expected. With Perenara leaving, he will be at best the 5th best halfback in NZ next year. Eligibility rules means he will be able to represent Tonga by the end of 2025? Seems likely next year will be his last in NZ. Hopefully that will ensure Pledger has a spot available. With Hastie, Arscott and Pledger in the Otago playing group it will be interesting to see how those three are managed at a provincial level. Do one of Hastie or Arscott get encouraged to go and line up for Southland. It seems redundant to have three Super halfbacks in one provincial squad.
Of the young inexperienced lads we signed to deals on promise like the halfbacks, Te Hiwi, the 10s, Michaels, Haig, Whaanga, Bell (his was more performance based), Taylor etc. Who are one and done players, contract wise and who will be mainstays. Some will be under pressure to show they have the ability to be apart of the playing group going forward. While others will be in demand locally and potentially around the world. Jack Taylor has been the best performing of the three hookers durind the NPC. Bells and Vikena have failed to fire during the NPC. Te Hiwi, the halfbacks, Michaels and Wingham probably have the most to prove. As a prop, Wingham will probably get a bit more time than some of the others. Holland, Haig, the 10s, and Taylor are probably the safest.
With Michaels, I was originally a fan. Now I'm seeing a bit more upside in the likes of Taylor and Casey than him.
Then there is the next group coming through. Kiseki Fifita after his mormon mission finishes. The giant lock Josh Tengblad. The Southland Dunedin Shark Josh Augistine. The second Dutchman Quentin Holland. The final Taylor and Muliaina out of Southland Boys. With limited quality coming out of the south and players recruiting from elsewhere difficult, they need to be very deliverate around who they lock down. -
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
Interesting times coming up at halfback. Pledger is clearly our most talented player in that possie. Just at the moment he still has the physical make up of a kid straight out of school. Which he is. Hastie is contracted through to the end of 2026, Fakatava through to the end of next season and unsure of Arcsott. Fakatava is now a dominant NPC halfback, who has never quite hit the levels expected. With Perenara leaving, he will be at best the 5th best halfback in NZ next year. Eligibility rules means he will be able to represent Tonga by the end of 2025? Seems likely next year will be his last in NZ. Hopefully that will ensure Pledger has a spot available. With Hastie, Arscott and Pledger in the Otago playing group it will be interesting to see how those three are managed at a provincial level. Do one of Hastie or Arscott get encouraged to go and line up for Southland. It seems redundant to have three Super halfbacks in one provincial squad.
Of the young inexperienced lads we signed to deals on promise like the halfbacks, Te Hiwi, the 10s, Michaels, Haig, Whaanga, Bell (his was more performance based), Taylor etc. Who are one and done players, contract wise and who will be mainstays. Some will be under pressure to show they have the ability to be apart of the playing group going forward. While others will be in demand locally and potentially around the world. Jack Taylor has been the best performing of the three hookers durind the NPC. Bells and Vikena have failed to fire during the NPC. Te Hiwi, the halfbacks, Michaels and Wingham probably have the most to prove. As a prop, Wingham will probably get a bit more time than some of the others. Holland, Haig, the 10s, and Taylor are probably the safest.
With Michaels, I was originally a fan. Now I'm seeing a bit more upside in the likes of Taylor and Casey than him.
Then there is the next group coming through. Kiseki Fifita after his mormon mission finishes. The giant lock Josh Tengblad. The Southland Dunedin Shark Josh Augistine. The second Dutchman Quentin Holland. The final Taylor and Muliaina out of Southland Boys. With limited quality coming out of the south and players recruiting from elsewhere difficult, they need to be very deliverate around who they lock down.Starting with the halfbacks:
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Folau Fakatava: So I've heard, and am taking the story element with a grain of salt, that he sat down with JJ and said he was keen to head offshore if not in the ABs. He was told by JJ he was a shoe-in for the ABs and signed a contract extension (presumably to 2027). Obviously he missed out on the ABs, but I find it hard to believe he didn't have any communication with the coaches. Conceivable to me, that when everything settles down next year he works his way back into the squad should he play well in an improving Highlanders team. I think the way the ABs (and NZ Super sides) like to play is with a quick halfback. Hotham to me looks like Perenara mark two - a great player, but a touch too slow.
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Nathan Hastie: Basically a shit version of Perenara. I had hopes for him, but I'd suggest all those leg injuries have ruined him. Decent pass, great kicking game, but wayyyy too slow.
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Dylan Pledger: Probably already Otago's best halfback, but they'll look to manage him because he is only a kid. If they have to, they'll contract four halfbacks to make room for him from 2026 - 2025 is still a year too early for him at Super level, but no reason why he can't have more involvement for Otago.
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James Arscott: Could in theory remain as a number three? I'm underwhelmed, but a local guy as the third halfback makes a fair bit of sense for me. Of course, there are other good halfbacks around the country who could be worth keeping an eye on.
If Fakatava was to leave in 2026 (he is contracted at this stage as I understand it) then we would need to grab another one + Pledger
Now the rest of the young crop (done in positional order):
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Rohan Wingham: Has actually stepped up for Otago, so good for him. Was chucked into Super way too early, but should be kept on as the number three tighthead (I still see him eventually as a loosehead)
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Jack Taylor: To say he has been the best of the three hookers is probably fair, but not exactly a high bar. Makes the odd eye-catching run, but I think he is limited. I don't see him progressing to being a number one Highlanders hooker.
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Henry Bell: No doubt hasn't hit the heights he did for the Landers, but also I think it should be remembered he went from playing MLR, to starting 16/17 (or whatever it was) games for the Highlanders in his first year at that level. I think it is natural to expect there to be a bit of drop-off, particularly as the vibes with Otago aren't exactly great. Will benefit from the off-season, but to me worthy of an extension
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Soane Vikena: Has played shite. Not exactly boding well. In general this is interesting because Taylor and Vikena are contracted to 2026, and Bell to 2025, but on evidence at SR level, Bell would be one you'd want to keep. I think unless Vikena finds a new gear, we'll be after another hooker in 2026, and the obvious one is going to be George Bell. Will he want to keep sitting idle behind Codie Taylor? Risky business for a young man wanting to be an AB. I could pretty much guarantee though, that a guy is never going to want to replace his brother, so they'd either need to contract four hookers, or chop up Vikena/Taylor's contract. Conceivable that Vikena may look offshore if it went to shit anyway.
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Fabian Holland: Tracking well. Will be an AB end of next year on this trajectory
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Oli Haig: Not sure if I ever mentioned on here, but the ABs selectors were keeping tabs on him during Super. The fact he is available for other countries probably works in his favour. Would not be at all surprised to see him in the EOYT squad.
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Hayden Michaels: Has been injured so hard to comment. Lasaqa likely to be the backup number seven, suspect Jamie wants some dynamic and not sure he is that.
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Will Stodart: Still has some maturing to do, but he is tracking nicely for the Highlanders. Been fair for Otago so far.
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Cam Millar: Asserting himself as the best first five we have, and one of the two best young 10s in the country... just keeps improving
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Ajay Faleafaga: The talent is clearly there, but the performances have been lacking since his great start to SR. I feel like he has been mismanaged by Otago, but then also there is probably not room for both him and Millar at that level. Hopefully he could get a gig playing back up home in the NPC next year, because I don't want to write him off. I do still have my doubts about whether first five is his best spot. Skills are great, but sometimes his decision making and kicking leave a bit to be desired. Really think he could be an interesting midfielder.
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Josh Whaanga: Not a winger really, but he has been very good for Otago. His error-rate is very low, and he gets himself over the gain-line. Lacks top end pace, but no reason why he can't mature into a very solid Super Rugby midfielder
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Jake Te Hiwi: Another one of these numpties who can't stay fit. Hard to get a read on him when he can barely string five games together.
Side note here: Heard Sam Gilbert is looking at a toe injury that could rule him out for the start of the SR season...
- Finn Hurley: Was not a fan, but have come around to him more for Otago this year, because his decision-making has been better. Certainly kicking possession away less. I remain doubtful of him at SR level because of his size, and think if he plays it will be on the wing. Still has some way to go, but the signing is looking better than it did when he was announced
Now the other younger guys coming through:
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The two Otago numbers 7s are miles short of SR level, particularly when there are truckloads of good ones running about for other teams
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Ale Aho needs an extended run at NPC level, but looks like he has the size?
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Won't comment on the likes of Fifita etc. as yet to see them at a decent level, but they'll be keeping tabs for sure.
Side note two: Jona Nareki looking off-shore at the end of 2025... no great surprise, though not confirmed he will go either.
Think that is everything.
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I'd find the Fakatava information to be a bit of a weird decision on his behalf. In 2023 it was confirmed he was re-signed until the end of 2025. Strange for him, off the back of a poor 2024, slipping down the pecking order to re-sign for another three years. My bet, based on vibes and no information is gooooone at the end of next year. I'd expect him to be playing for Tonga at the end of next year. Same with Nareki and Fiji. Hastie being slow? You mean speed? I'd say it is probably his only saving grace, apart from his kicking game. He has filled in from time to time in the back three. Hasn't got into the open field very regularly.
On Casey and Taylor. I wasn't meaning I see them as Super players right now. Just that I don't see them as being any worse than an injury prone Michaels. We also have Max Ratcliffe who was the Highlanders U20 player of the year.
I'd hate to write off Faleafaga from Otago now. I also doubt there is space at Auckland for him with all the talent they have. Best he sticks with us. He is still only 21.
I think you have some loyalty to the Bell boys. I don't think there is anything Henry Bell can do that Jack Taylor can't. Taylor is slightly taller, and will fill out more than Bell. He'd be quicker as well. At 25 Bell is 106kg. Taylor's listed as the same right now, and will fill out over the next couple of years. He has a much high ceiling than Bell. -
I'd hope Fakatava would hang around. He still makes too many mistakes / poor decisions, but if you're looking for a sniping halfback offloading to forwards to get go-forward around the ruck, he is probably the pick of the NZ halfbacks, and his speed of delivery from the ruck is pretty good.
FF + Ledger would be a really strong combination. -
@reprobate said in Highlanders 2025:
I'd hope Fakatava would hang around. He still makes too many mistakes / poor decisions, but if you're looking for a sniping halfback offloading to forwards to get go-forward around the ruck, he is probably the pick of the NZ halfbacks, and his speed of delivery from the ruck is pretty good.
FF + Ledger would be a really strong combination.The good advice will be saying to leave, if he is the 5th choice NZ halfback. Especially being eligible for Tonga at the end of next year. Of the players rated above him, only Christie is older. He'd be much better off to take the money and have a long career with Tonga internationally. He's also got a young child, and it looked like his partner was up in HB during the Super season.
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@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
- Rohan Wingham: Has actually stepped up for Otago, so good for him. Was chucked into Super way too early, but should be kept on as the number three tighthead (I still see him eventually as a loosehead)
When I first saw him play in the NZ Schools trial he did play LH for his team. BTW, I was really impressed with his effort around the field vs Wellington.
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
Josh Tengblad.
ODT Rugby Chat - Konrad Toleafoa and 6ft 8 giant Josh Tengblad
PD talks to two of the in-form players in club rugby: the block-busting No 8 from Southern, Konrad Toleafoa and 6ft 8 giant from the Sharks, Josh...
Interview with Uncle Arthur- JT is 207cm?!
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
Hastie being slow? You mean speed? I'd say it is probably his only saving grace, apart from his kicking game. He has filled in from time to time in the back three. Hasn't got into the open field very regularly.
So slow to the breakdown. He might be quick once he gets moving, but it's all about ruck speed. No coincidence we looked better when Pledger came on.
I'd hate to write off Faleafaga from Otago now. I also doubt there is space at Auckland for him with all the talent they have. Best he sticks with us. He is still only 21.
Faleafaga needs to be playing. If he goes to Counties for example, it is not writing him off, but at the moment the 10 jersey belongs to Millar.
I don't think there is anything Henry Bell can do that Jack Taylor can't. Taylor is slightly taller, and will fill out more than Bell. He'd be quicker as well. At 25 Bell is 106kg. Taylor's listed as the same right now, and will fill out over the next couple of years.
I never said there wasn't, and I think they can quite easily co-exist as a second and third choice in your squad. My comment was on current evidence. There is a reason why one started as many games as he did.
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@reprobate said in Highlanders 2025:
I'd hope Fakatava would hang around. He still makes too many mistakes / poor decisions, but if you're looking for a sniping halfback offloading to forwards to get go-forward around the ruck, he is probably the pick of the NZ halfbacks, and his speed of delivery from the ruck is pretty good.
FF + Ledger would be a really strong combination.The good advice will be saying to leave, if he is the 5th choice NZ halfback. Especially being eligible for Tonga at the end of next year. Of the players rated above him, only Christie is older. He'd be much better off to take the money and have a long career with Tonga internationally.
He sacrificed a lot to come to New Zealand though don't forget. He'll want to be an All Black... can take a while to shake off an injury, he has been excellent and accurate for Hawke's Bay. I don't think it is inconceivable he sticks around until 2027, when he will still only be 27. The money for top-end Super players is also a lot better than people realise.
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@reprobate said in Highlanders 2025:
I'd hope Fakatava would hang around. He still makes too many mistakes / poor decisions, but if you're looking for a sniping halfback offloading to forwards to get go-forward around the ruck, he is probably the pick of the NZ halfbacks, and his speed of delivery from the ruck is pretty good.
FF + Ledger would be a really strong combination.Fakatava sounds like a good bench option. In 3 years we will have 2 to 3 good HBS but likely at least one will be injured.
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@frugby you are always going to side with the Bell boys. Henry Bell is a handy hooker. He is just the less good version of his brother. Of course he got the starts this season. Taylor is still filling out, and had played fewer than 10 senior games prior to the season starting. Jackson was a, shit, we have no one else selection. At the moment Bell isn't even the top Otago hooker. Having slipped behind Coltman. Henry Bell's biggest upside has been his running game. Apart from that he is just a small hooker who is currently struggling with his throwing. He's smaller than Ricky Riccitelli. There isn't a lot between the three hookers. Any of them can start next year. I think Jospeh will go with the beat thrower. We aren't good enough to throw ball away in attacking positions with good lineout options. On NPC form, Taylor has been the best of the three.
With Fakatava, certainly agree he moved to NZ and away from his family for footy. So do dozens of young lads from the islands each year. His priority, like many others will be to get as much as possible for his family, both here and at home. This will be a wait and see approach.
Faleafaga, as soon as you say off you go, you lose oversight. With a player who is still that young. It is a foolish decision. It is my preference we keep him for at least another couple of years. -
@ploughboy said in Highlanders 2025:
Fifita still in NZ so his mission hasn't started yet and his mission will be for two years I beleive
Disappointing if he is still waiting that he hasn't played any footy while waiting. Could have played club footy and potentially some rep stuff
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Haig's too articulate to be a tight forward..Needs a few months to practice his grunts. Oh and maybe let slip he could play for others, his agent has probably gone ballistic he's admitted his loyalty...
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@nostrildamus Scottish grandparents as well. So that’s a fourth country ( though who wants to play for Scotland)
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@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
@nostrildamus Scottish grandparents as well. So that’s a fourth country ( though who wants to play for Scotland)
Don't tell you know who on here, he's trying to change Scottish rugby into something akin to the French Foreign Legion.
NB Haig (high, noble) is also originally a Viking/Norse name. -
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
@nostrildamus Scottish grandparents as well. So that’s a fourth country ( though who wants to play for Scotland)
They are well and truly a team on the up and would probably give us a good run for our money right now😂
