Highlanders 2024
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:
@Landers92 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.
- 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.
- locks: Parkinson and probably Hicks goone. No one jumps out in the local system. Hugo Plummer likely to get one of the spots.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Nice review mate and appreciate the time these things take. Great read.
For me, id rather cut ties with Ricky Jackson and bring in Liam Coltman as that third Hooker and mentor now that he’s back in town with Otago. A lot more experience than Jackson and also a lot better player, no harm having your third hooker a bit longer in the tooth. A-One Lolofie for a wider squad spot and slowly develop.
At prop it’s interesting, could we make a push for Abraham Pole now that a loose head spot is open? After all, he is an Otago boy and I’d be surprised if the Highlanders haven’t already had discussions with him saying it would be beneficial to get experience with Moana. I know we shouldn’t be poaching Moana’s players every season but I’m just putting 2 and 2 together. Hes young and has a bright future. At tighthead, Wingham has a long way to go but he is young(21 I think?). Young guys like Fletcher Newell coming in and doing was he has done at that age is extremely rare so patience will be important when it comes to Saula Ma’u and finding a back up.
Would be gutted to see Nareki or CGB go as a lot has been invested into them but I think you’re on to something. Hopefully they can stay around for another season given they know there is a lot of game time to be had whether starting or in the 23 jersey. No qualms with Bogada leaving, as I said in a previous thread that’s a failed experiment(similar to the Argentinian prop we signed a wee while back).
Midfield is a huge one to watch, I still think we need to push for another 12(I see Corey Evans has resigned with the blues so he’s a target off the list), one that is capable of progressing and eventually push on for higher honors. I thought that was Gilbert but it’s proven to be a tough season for him and again we are asking ourselves what his best position is, 12 or 15. If he’s 12, he needs NPC time there and another chance next season. No qualms with Matt Whaanga leaving, his brother is hopefully a long term answer for us.
As for Harmon, I’m not emotionally ready for him to leave just yet as he embodies what being a Highlander is and is a great captain but I wouldn’t blame him if he decides to leave if he misses out on AB’s selection in the upcoming series or end of year tour.
I'd be very disappointed if we went backwards to and picked Coltman. He was the first choice it seemed for the majority of 2022, when the choices were pretty average. Prior to that he was behind Adh Dixon for a couple of years. I highly doubt at 35 he is the man we want should something go wrong with Bell or Taylor. Jackson has generally been solid, and we should reward that. Even for Otago. I'd be disappointed if Coltman gets a run ahead of those two. People think of Coltman with rose tinted glasses, and they can colour memories of what his performances were actually like, especially in his last couple of years. CGB has been a bit of an enigma. Some of his performances have been top notch, but the mix of injuries and shockers may put him in the too hard basket.
I don't have anything overly solid to suggest Harmon or Nareki may want to leave. It just seems like the batural progression of two players just just outside the AB pool and have the ability to make $$$ off-shore. Midfield options, most other teams look quite settled, I'd just be hunting the young fellas and their national U20 reps. Tell them they won't get a start with other teams and make promises we can keep and their home feqnchises can't.Yeah I get where you’re coming from. I’m just not a huge fan of Ricky Jackson and I can’t imagine Coltman has just come back to Dunedin to play for Otago and call it a day. We know the Highlanders were after him before the season starter. That hooker room lacks a mentor and Coltman fits the bill, hence with those are my thoughts. Every other super rugby team takes a similar approach by keeping experienced front rowers and with Ainsley leaving and possibly DLB then Coltman would bring that experience.
At the end of the day we have much bigger issues than our third string hooker haha so let’s hope recruitment is healthy and Jamie Jo can’t work some of the recruitment magic.
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im honestly not sure how much mentorship they need, bell is 24 and been playing professional rugby for 3-4 years (some of them already under coltman), if thats a side benefit because we actually need him as a player then great....but i wouldnt bring him in if that was a main reason
lets not forget, the head coach is a former front rower who came through the local system too play for the highlanders...so they are pretty well supported
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@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2024:
im honestly not sure how much mentorship they need, bell is 24 and been playing professional rugby for 3-4 years (some of them already under coltman), if thats a side benefit because we actually need him as a player then great....but i wouldnt bring him in if that was a main reason
lets not forget, the head coach is a former front rower who came through the local system too play for the highlanders...so they are pretty well supported
Side benefit is what I’m trying to say. As I said, third string squad member. A bit long in the tooth but good to have around. That’s my opinion as it stands anyway. I guess we will see come next season. Who knows, he might come out for Otago this season and have fallen off completely and this conversation is irrelevant, time will tell.
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I would have been comfortable with him(Coltman) being around this year, with both Bell and Taylor being very wet behind the years. Those two have since proven to be capable at this level. Doesn't really seem like there is a glaring need going forward, for a guy who is returning to Dunedin to retire to get a final golden handshake and thank you for your service from the Highlanders. In 2021, he was the second string hooker behind Ash Dixon. In 2022, he went up to first choice ahead of Marshall and Makalio. Both were quite average. If he gets gametime for Otago, it should be clear whether he is better than Jackson. As well as A One Lolofie, Southland have also picked up former NZ Schools hooker Shaun Kempton out of Canterbury. So plenty of local options going forward. Another guy I'm interested in is halfback Dylan Pledger. He seems to be high regarded within the NZ system, will be interesting to see how Otago and the Highlanders manage his development. He does look small.
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@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.
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@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?
Hooker wise I’m unsure of contract situations and don’t know where to find reliable info on that but as a guess I’m thinking it could be Vikena who is behind Eklund and Riccitelli at the Blues. Thompson and Moananu as you said, also could Brodie McCalister be looking elsewhere due to being surpassed by George Bell behind Taylor? Can’t imagine there’s any hookers from the canes. Think it will be one of those 4 unless there is someone I’m missing?
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@Landers92 the mail from my Blues sauce is that Vikena and Tangitau were sounded out so could be those 2.
Also Taniela Telea was a bargain basement 1 year signing for the Landers so could well be on the move for next season. He's either extended and it hasn't been announced yet or already signed elsewhere. -
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@Nogusta said in Highlanders 2024:
@Landers92 the mail from my Blues sauce is that Vikena and Tangitau were sounded out so could be those 2.
Also Taniela Telea was a bargain basement 1 year signing for the Landers so could well be on the move for next season. He's either extended and it hasn't been announced yet or already signed elsewhere.that will fuck me off, finally found someone too own the 13 jersey
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@KiwiMurph Tanguitau going no where, most likely Vikena won't be either
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@Chris said in Highlanders 2024:
Codie Taylor,Brodie McAlister and George Bell all signed to 2025,
Cheers mate. Crazy to think Brodie was in an around the AB’s camp not too long ago and now he’s going to be sitting more or less third string. Definitely good enough to be a week in week out player elsewhere.
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@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2024:
@Nogusta said in Highlanders 2024:
@Landers92 the mail from my Blues sauce is that Vikena and Tangitau were sounded out so could be those 2.
Also Taniela Telea was a bargain basement 1 year signing for the Landers so could well be on the move for next season. He's either extended and it hasn't been announced yet or already signed elsewhere.that will fuck me off, finally found someone too own the 13 jersey
Agreed mate. Surely he’s proven his worth and we’ve thrown him some dosh. The highlanders one of the only teams to not announce many contract extensions so could be announced anytime now if it’s happening
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@george33 said in Highlanders 2024:
@KiwiMurph Tanguitau going no where, most likely Vikena won't be either
I really struggle to see the benefit in players sitting behind bonafide starters these days. Crusaders had that for years and a lot of them still made the All Blacks. Will be interesting to see if that same trend happens under razor.
If NZR want super rugby to be a better product they need their best players playing week in week out, if that means tapping some players on the shoulder and telling them to head to another franchise in NZ then so be it imo. Obviously the players need to be willing to do that but for players that want to further themselves it should be a no brainer.
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@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2024:
@Chris said in Highlanders 2024:
Codie Taylor,Brodie McAlister and George Bell all signed to 2025,
Cheers mate. Crazy to think Brodie was in an around the AB’s camp not too long ago and now he’s going to be sitting more or less third string. Definitely good enough to be a week in week out player elsewhere.
Yeah he is poor bugger has been smashed by a lot of injuries over the last few seasons,He can’t seem to string games together for long.
Latest one his knee but he is back training this week after missing for a couple of weeks. -
