Highlanders 2022
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For who didn't read the Chiefs thread and/or didn't read the entire article:
Head coach Tony Brown – who has returned to the role after Clarke Dermody's interim stint finished at the end of Super Rugby Trans Ta$man – has confirmed to Stuff that both Waisake and Kini were both on his radar, after Kini was released by the Chiefs.
“Obviously with Waisake he didn't play a lot of rugby in the last couple of years,” Brown said.
“Everyone is waiting to see if he can get back to his best. Fingers crossed he can. Fingers crossed his knee holds up, and he play consistent rugby for the rest of the NPC.
“If he does that, then 100 per cent he becomes an option for us.”Kini Naholo, who has also had an injury-ravaged few years at the Chiefs, played in Taranaki's opening two games in the NPC before the competition was suspended due to Covid-19.
“Kini is available," Brown said. “He's been at the Chiefs for three years and they've let him go.“He's got his knee heavily strapped, he’s had a lot of injury concerns as well.
“But seeing him the NPC, if that gets back up again, is going to be good to watch. They might play each other and mark each other, and the best Naholo might get the contract.”And despite the prospect of the Naholo brothers going head-to-head for a Highlanders contract, Brown confirmed he was on the lookout for “at least two wingers” following Nareki's injury.
No decision has been made on Liam Squire, although the outlook does not appear to be particularly promising, while veteran lock Bryn Evans is waiting to see how he gets through an NPC campaign with Hawke’s Bay before he makes a decision on his Super Rugby future.
Injuries to midfielders Thomas Umaga-Jensen and Fetuli Paea, both of whom won't play any further rugby this year, were also a concern, but Brown said both were likely to be available for the start of Super Rugby Pacific in February.
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@tim Fuuny story, I walked past St Peter's before the ABs v Tonga match with my wife and he was training at the cage and I pointed him out and said this guy is the next star to come out of St Peters and sure enough this has happened!
Great pickup, this kid has the goods. In terms of style, he's like Lima Sopoaga. A very gifted 10 with a very good all round game.
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I remember watching the 2018 1st XV final between St Peters and Kings where Faleafaga and Zarn Sullivan were the 10s that day. I was blown away back then at how good both were.
Sure enugh, Sullivan has made a big impact at pro level, and I think we'll hear a lot more about Faleafaga (another great St Peters product) in the coming years.
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@african-monkey awesome thanks for the info definitely one to watch then.
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@dolamite said in Highlanders 2022:
Ajay Faleafaga, the best schoolboy 10 in NZ has signed with the Highlanders for 3 years
Awesome news
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Well that's fantastic news.
Hopefully the progression plan sees Mitch Hunt hold the fort for a couple of years and then Ajay Faleafaga jumps into the mix.
Always really positive to hear when we have landed up and coming talent.
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@bovidae said in Highlanders 2022:
@dolamite said in Highlanders 2022:
Ajay Faleafaga, the best schoolboy 10 in NZ has signed with the Highlanders for 3 years
Obviously no one reads the School rugby thread.
..glad hes good at rugby, not sure he has a career in poker, cant tell you where im going....but let me describe the highlanders to a tee....and then name them as my fav team
Glad to have him aboard and apologies to the Landers, seems like they have actually had a plan
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He may have signed with Otago too….second pic hes signing something with an Otago logo
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Some more info about the Highlanders' squad in the article.
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While we are never going to be the development machine of the Crusaders or the Blues. I'm pleased to see what seems to quite an astute recruitment strategy.
We aren't seeming to rely on mid-level fellas in their mid 20s anymore or getting lucky with off casts. We will continue to do that though.
With the likes of Mau, De Groot, Fabian Holland, Withy, Fakatava plus our three local young halfbacks, Faleafaga and some of our young backs. It seems as if we have a bit to look forward to as fans.
Also interesting that Faleafaga will play for the Highlanders U18 this year.
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@southernmann Have you still got Noah Hotham? He is part of Ta$man's Development squad for 2021.
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I understand he will continue to play club rugby in Dunedin.
I think he sounded out Otago, but we just had too many young halfbacks.
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More of a Development signing at this stage.
Promising teenage hooker Jack Taylor has signed with both Southland and the Highlanders for the next three years.
