Highlanders 2022
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I guess we can start looking toward next season
i guess we can assume everyone else is either still contracted or being negotiated with?
Collins has been a good reliable squad player, hasn't had may MotM's but also hasn't lost many for us, especially since moving to midfield
Tokolahi has been a great asset too
Ben-Nicholas has never really shone, not sure we'll miss him much
Disappointed Hemino is off, hes a real talent
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I'll chuck my reply here.
All those guys featured in the final game of the season. I'd expect a few more won't be back as well.
NMS
Sione Misiloi
At least one propApart from that the majority of the squad will be fairly consistent.
Not surprised Himeno is going. A top talent, but a one and done situation.
I have a really good feeling about our propping future, a long-term starting duo our Mau and De Groot will be awesome.
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i know very little about him, coming from Hawkes Bay is probably enough to sign him though
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@kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2022:
i know very little about him, coming from Hawkes Bay is probably enough to sign him though
Considering the backrow talent we have he's made a good impression in the last two years so good if he picks up a contract.
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@kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2022:
@nepia openside? can he play elsewhere? Lentjes and Harmon have both looked good at 7 this year
I think he played all 3 for us at various stages, but don't quote me on that, check with @Stargazer first.
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From memory he has been with the squad since around the end of Super Rugby Aotearoa.
Seems a likely utility signing if true. I just hope we have also locked in Hugh Renton. I'd like to see Sean Withy locked in as well.
Seems to many loosies.
6/8
Tu'u
Squire
Frizzell
Renton7
HarmonUtility
Funaki
Withy
Lentjes -
@southernmann yeah, would love to see Withy brought in
was he just our player of the tournament or THE player of the tournament? either way sounds like a bit of a talent
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@kiwiwomble Funaki's starts for the Magpies in 2020 were in the 7 jersey, but he has replaced MMT a couple of times at 6. I think he also plays at no. 8 for his club, but not sure.
Just to give a very brief impression. He scored two tries in the Taranaki v Hawke's Bay game (22nd and 42nd minute) and had one try controversially disallowed (36th minute). All are shown in this highlights clip. He's wearing the 7 jersey.
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Here's a clip with Solomone Funaki's highlights. It's a clip from 2019, so mostly footage from the Hawke's Bay Saracens (the Magpies Development team). You can see him in the 7, 8 and 20 jersey.
I don't know how good he can or will be at SR level, and whether he will be better than Harmon or Lentjes, because he simply hasn't played at that level yet, but he's bigger (heavier, at about the same height).
He's in the Tonga squad, so you'll be able to watch him if he gets into the matchday 23.
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Spoke to a very good family friend of Folau Fakatava
Crusaders almost had Folau Fakatava,he was about to sign a 3 year deal ,in fact the crusaders had released Bryn Hall ..but what they did not count on was the influence of his parents back in Tonga who reminded him of who gave him his opportunity and that was the Highlanders..he took heed of his parents advice and decided to stay in Dunedin ..that left the Crusaders scrambling to get Hall back on the books .
For me , I am glad he stayed with the Landers no disrespect to Crusaders but your already stacked in so many positions. -
@steven-harris It's good for Aaron's Smith's workload management as well. With Fakatava on board, the coaches are prepared to play Smith off the bench a bit more and aren't as reliant on him starting every game.
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an interesting post from the Highlanders, might they be gauging if the fans want a Maroon jersey again
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@Steven Harris
Well I'm now really big fans of Folau's parents.
the Crusaders do a great job developing their own talent. They don't need to pick the bones of other franchise's top talent.
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highlandersteam Ash Dixon heading to Japan
Ash,
You’ve been a great Highlanders leader and warrior and we thank you for the many years you’ve been a part of this club.
We wish you and your whanau the best for the future.
Ngā mihi nui
🗣@ashdixon has been a Highlander since 2015 and has played 100 games, helping lead our team to the recent Super Rugby Trans- Ta$man Final.
👇 Leave your messages below and help us send off a true Highlander Man! -
gutted, glad they've done something official and early though
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Highlanders really trying to do this right