Highlanders 2024
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:
@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2024:
@Duluth said in Highlanders 2024:
An update on Tele'a from a paywalled ODT article
Tele’a picked up a grade 2 MCL injury and is out for three to six weeks. That means the rugged centre will miss the final two round-robin games and at least the first round of the playoffs. He will need the Highlanders to go deep if he is to suit up again this season.Ouch. I assume it’s Matt Whaanga or Timu who step up in either in 13 or 23 but I would love to blood Josh Whaanga and give him a taste of the big time.
I'd think it'll be the status quo of Gilbert and Te Hiwi for the last three games. With Tavatavanawai covering 13.
Yup, sorry I should have been more clear. I meant behind them. Granted there’s only 2 most likely 3 games left.
If Tavatavanawai has to push into 13 we are in trouble.
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@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2024:
Peter Umaga Jenson and Riley Higgins extend in Hurricane land until the end of 2026. Two more midfielders we can put a line through. I suppose with Jordie getting that Ireland stint they are backing themselves to get more game time, still find it interesting when you could be the out and out starter elsewhere.
It’s going to be very slim pickings for the Highlanders in the midfield come off season time. Here’s hoping TUG is staying and can also stay healthy.
On top of this. Does anyone know Salesi Rayasi’s contract situation? Definitely a forgotten player at the Canes who gets the off game here and there with some small minutes off the bench. Has he resigned with Moorby leaving? Would be the most Highlanders type of signing ever and I wouldn’t be mad at it(only if CGB isn’t returning).
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@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2024:
@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2024:
Peter Umaga Jenson and Riley Higgins extend in Hurricane land until the end of 2026. Two more midfielders we can put a line through. I suppose with Jordie getting that Ireland stint they are backing themselves to get more game time, still find it interesting when you could be the out and out starter elsewhere.
It’s going to be very slim pickings for the Highlanders in the midfield come off season time. Here’s hoping TUG is staying and can also stay healthy.
On top of this. Does anyone know Salesi Rayasi’s contract situation? Definitely a forgotten player at the Canes who gets the off game here and there with some small minutes off the bench. Has he resigned with Moorby leaving? Would be the most Highlanders type of signing ever and I wouldn’t be mad at it(only if CGB isn’t returning).
Don't want Rayasi, for his ability, age and perceived attitude.
Realistically the Highlanders now need to shop for the next great winger... so under 22. Whether it is Tangitau, Stanley Solomon etc. I think that is the move. Probably the same in the midfield too considering what is available on the open market.
What I'd really love to see us do, is hang on to Tele'a, and find a stop gap from overseas for a year. Joseph has some good connections, could we find someone?
Going forward, the onus is on Te Hiwi and Whaanga to fill 2/5 midfield slots. Tele'a probably only here for one more year at best though you never know... Gilbert to me feels like the obvious one to cut long-term, unless you keep him on as a utility player who acts as the 3rd 10. Gives us plenty to work with come 2026, which is why we need to get someone who is 22> who is primed and ready to go for then.
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Highlanders players by minutes:
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i said a couple of weeks ago this has too be our most consistent squad for a long time, having outside backs that are not only performing well...but playing the most minutes is unheard of
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@Grooter said in Highlanders 2024:
It was announced at the landers awards Dinner tonight that leaving us will be Ainsley, Patchell, Bogado, Pari Parkinson, Connor Garden Bachop & Billy Harmon..
Sad to see Harmon go, but it seemed reasonably obvious to me he was a leading candidate to be leaving. Stodart replaces him as a full squad member. Remembering Hayden Michaels, as an openside didn't even get on the paddock this season. Hurley replaces Bogado. Who knows who will come in for the other guys. Interesting Jackson's name isn't there.
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:
@Grooter said in Highlanders 2024:
It was announced at the landers awards Dinner tonight that leaving us will be Ainsley, Patchell, Bogado, Pari Parkinson, Connor Garden Bachop & Billy Harmon..
Interesting Jackson's name isn't there.
I doubt this is a full list... the oil is that we have signed J Whaanga, so you'd assume at least one of Timu, M Whaanga and TUJ is out the door... not to mention we have signed a hooker.
It may be more that, these are the guys who have already signed contracts elsewhere so there is no chance that they will be re-signed?
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@Grooter said in Highlanders 2024:
It was announced at the landers awards Dinner tonight that leaving us will be Ainsley, Patchell, Bogado, Pari Parkinson, Connor Garden Bachop & Billy Harmon..
Any word on where these guys are heading?
Harmon and Ainsley definitely the biggest losses there. I wonder if Parkinson will go overseas or sign with another club. A shame he never pushed on because he initially showed so much promise. I remember one game in Christchurch where he pretty much single handedly dominated the Crusaders and then he got injured. Haven't seen a performance like that from him since.
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@frugby said in Highlanders 2024:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:
@Grooter said in Highlanders 2024:
It was announced at the landers awards Dinner tonight that leaving us will be Ainsley, Patchell, Bogado, Pari Parkinson, Connor Garden Bachop & Billy Harmon..
Interesting Jackson's name isn't there.
I doubt this is a full list... the oil is that we have signed J Whaanga, so you'd assume at least one of Timu, M Whaanga and TUJ is out the door... not to mention we have signed a hooker.
It may be more that, these are the guys who have already signed contracts elsewhere so there is no chance that they will be re-signed?
Matt Whaanga and TUJ are essentially the same contracted player. I'd think Timu has run his course, and they may want to move on from TUJ, due to him being an injury prone one trick pony. It is just who else is out there. Do they go after one of the NZ U20 guys, as well as Whaanga. It seems like most of the other young midfielders are sewn up. @Canes4life I would highly doubt other NZ franchises would be too keen on an injury prone 140kg lock with mobility issues, who is unwanted by the Highlanders. Ainsley and Bogado are going to France. Patchell was only ever a one year deal. Harmon is probably getting some yen. Wonder if they are trying to get him to go where Frizzell is? Surely the other lads are off overaeas too.
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@SouthernMann yeah I was just thinking about GCB, hope he's not coming home and has signed for the Canes. I think we can do better than him tbh. The Hurricanes, Highlanders and Crusaders will be in a battle to sign outside back talent for next year.
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no real surprises, im a CGB fan so sorry to see him go, i would have been happy too see more of him, probably last year before we brought in JRK and TT
sorry we havent got too see TUJ and Tela out there together....that could have done some real damage, definitely expecting to see more new re midfield, we have guys that just arent being used so you have to think they will want to find other opportunities
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CGB had every chance possible to lock down positions over the last four or five? Years. When he was going well, he was fantastic to watch. When he wasn't going well. It was rather frustrating. I hope he gets a decent gig somewhere. It will be interesting to see who we do pick up a part from Hurley.
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@SouthernMann dont get me wrong this is all without seeing how things went behind the scenes at training, IMO he did do enough to get more starts, THATS what i found frustrating, i didn't see him worse than lots of other guys that got regular starts...and better than several
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:
CGB had every chance possible to lock down positions over the last four or five? Years. When he was going well, he was fantastic to watch. When he wasn't going well. It was rather frustrating. I hope he gets a decent gig somewhere. It will be interesting to see who we do pick up a part from Hurley.
Funny thing with CGB is it feels like he has looked as good as he did this year as he did when he burst through four years ago. Injuries haven't helped him... I imagine he is off overseas.
As for the outside back department, we've already signed one (I'm assuming as well as Hurley) so you'd assume they are an active Super Rugby player. If it isn't Tangitau, then Kade Banks would be the next logical guess - notable though, that the Blues are still yet to announce the re-signing of Zarn Sullivan.
Not saying we have signed him (because IMO would be a little bizarre) but could we see him at say the Crusaders? Maybe the Canes have picked him up to replace Morgan because he wants to be a 10.
On the basis of what we know though, I think it is reasonable to suggest the Highlanders have as many as 35 players locked in for next year.
Tighthead prop (Ainsley), Lock (Parkinson) and a 10/utility back (Patchell... possible Hurley/Gilbert are the third 10 and we go out and grab another outside back)
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Tavatavanawai showered with Highlanders awards
It has been a year to remember for Timoci Tavatavanawai. A standout in his debut season for the Highlanders, Tavatavanawai scooped four awards,...
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@frugby no one is ahead of him next year. Moorby is leaving the Canes so I expect Sullivan to lock down the 14 jersey.
Rayasi isn't really a right winger and having both him and Naholo on both wings probably ruins the balance of that back three a bit as they are power wingers. Sullivan is a player that could do that role Moorby has been doing this year quite effectivily.
