Highlanders 2024

[george33]

Vikena signed and Caleb, think Ahio is back with chiefs

[Chris]

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:

@frugby said in Highlanders 2024:

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:

Pully Cully with a forward looking conversation with Roger Clark. TUJ back on deck in 2025, although he does not have a provincial contract yet. Quote from Clark says they are generally not after large players like the Blues/Hurricanes have. At most five spots avaliable. Joseph has been Actively recruiting over the last five months. Selling point we can get players on the field. Josh Whaanga has a full contract, no mention of his brother. Stodart and Hurley with full contracts too. Might still be looking at props, a lock, a 10, midfielder and an outside back. https://www.thepost.co.nz/sport/350305616/jamie-josephs-recruitment-drive-already-well-under-way-highlanders

Cully said five spots at most left... So -

Confirmed Leaving by the Highlanders:
Ainsley
Parkinson
Harmon
Patchell
Bogado
Garden-Bachop

Probably Leaving:
Jackson
M Whaanga
Timu

Definitely Already Signed:
Hurley
Stodart (Was only an injury replacement for Tucker/Dunshea)
J Whaanga
Umaga-Jensen
New Hooker (99% sure it is Vikena)
Outside Back (Remains a Mystery)

If those nine have left, and those six have signed then:

• Hurley and the Outside Back replace Garden-Bachop and Bogado
• J Whaanga and Umaga-Jensen replace Timu and M Whaanga
• Vikena replaces Jackson

Other Definites:

• Tighthead to replace Ainsley
• Lock to replace Parkinson

Question Marks:

• Hurley/Gilbert could also cover 10, so the remaining back spot may be a case of getting the best back we can possibly get, before then defaulting to a third specialist 10 to replace Patchell
• Stodart could replace Harmon, but generally, teams like to have three specialist opensides. Could mean that Renton is leaving early (Dragons in the NRL - seems unlikely) or he replaces Hicks, or even Tucker.

Conclusion:

I'm going to guess it is 34 signed, with a tighthead prop, a lock, a loose forward or another lock (Could be Hicks, Frizell or a new openside) and a back of some description (Most likely a 10 or an outside back, they might wait for the NPC to fill this one).

Irish Paul has previously stated he believes Renton is returning. With him and Broughton there should be enough coverage within the current playing grouo to avoid needing to recruit a stop-gap openside. The next couple of guys locally at openside will be Max Ratcliffe and Gregor Rutledge. Both are at least a couple of years away. I'd read into that article that they probably don't expect to see Tele'a returning. May still be hoping it happens, just aren't expecting it. I reckon if Byron Smith does have a decent year with Southland, he will be in as the third 10. Tangitau out of the Blues seems like the sort of player that fits with the narrative of picking up players who aren't getting a chance. Another I reckon is a chance is Finlay Brewis. Previously rated quite highly, not likely to start for the Crusaders while Williams is there. Easier to compete with Ma'u.

Finlay Brewis is strictly a LH so would compete with
De Groot ,Lienart-Brown, and Johnstone not Ma’u.

[SouthernMann]

@Chris said in Highlanders 2024:

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:

@frugby said in Highlanders 2024:

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:

Pully Cully with a forward looking conversation with Roger Clark. TUJ back on deck in 2025, although he does not have a provincial contract yet. Quote from Clark says they are generally not after large players like the Blues/Hurricanes have. At most five spots avaliable. Joseph has been Actively recruiting over the last five months. Selling point we can get players on the field. Josh Whaanga has a full contract, no mention of his brother. Stodart and Hurley with full contracts too. Might still be looking at props, a lock, a 10, midfielder and an outside back. https://www.thepost.co.nz/sport/350305616/jamie-josephs-recruitment-drive-already-well-under-way-highlanders

Cully said five spots at most left... So -

Confirmed Leaving by the Highlanders:
Ainsley
Parkinson
Harmon
Patchell
Bogado
Garden-Bachop

Probably Leaving:
Jackson
M Whaanga
Timu

Definitely Already Signed:
Hurley
Stodart (Was only an injury replacement for Tucker/Dunshea)
J Whaanga
Umaga-Jensen
New Hooker (99% sure it is Vikena)
Outside Back (Remains a Mystery)

If those nine have left, and those six have signed then:

• Hurley and the Outside Back replace Garden-Bachop and Bogado
• J Whaanga and Umaga-Jensen replace Timu and M Whaanga
• Vikena replaces Jackson

Other Definites:

• Tighthead to replace Ainsley
• Lock to replace Parkinson

Question Marks:

• Hurley/Gilbert could also cover 10, so the remaining back spot may be a case of getting the best back we can possibly get, before then defaulting to a third specialist 10 to replace Patchell
• Stodart could replace Harmon, but generally, teams like to have three specialist opensides. Could mean that Renton is leaving early (Dragons in the NRL - seems unlikely) or he replaces Hicks, or even Tucker.

Conclusion:

I'm going to guess it is 34 signed, with a tighthead prop, a lock, a loose forward or another lock (Could be Hicks, Frizell or a new openside) and a back of some description (Most likely a 10 or an outside back, they might wait for the NPC to fill this one).

Irish Paul has previously stated he believes Renton is returning. With him and Broughton there should be enough coverage within the current playing grouo to avoid needing to recruit a stop-gap openside. The next couple of guys locally at openside will be Max Ratcliffe and Gregor Rutledge. Both are at least a couple of years away. I'd read into that article that they probably don't expect to see Tele'a returning. May still be hoping it happens, just aren't expecting it. I reckon if Byron Smith does have a decent year with Southland, he will be in as the third 10. Tangitau out of the Blues seems like the sort of player that fits with the narrative of picking up players who aren't getting a chance. Another I reckon is a chance is Finlay Brewis. Previously rated quite highly, not likely to start for the Crusaders while Williams is there. Easier to compete with Ma'u.

Finlay Brewis is strictly a LH so would compete with
De Groot ,Lienart-Brown, and Johnstone not Ma’u.

Let's cross Brewis out then. I thought he was a tighthead. We need one of those.

[Duluth]

@Tim said in Highlanders 2024:

Having a look over the NZ squads (and Rebels), who might be available for the Highlanders to pick up? Some possibilities:

Jordan Lay
Mason Tupaea
Sione Ahio
Jared Proffit
Kauvaka Kaivelata
Finlay Brewis

Soane Vikena
Ioane Moananu
Kianu Kereru-Symes
Jacob Devery
Raymond Tuputupu

Antonio Shalfoon
Ben Grant

Vaiolini Ekuasi
Rob Rush
TK Howden

Josh Jacomb
Rivez Reihana

Matt Proctor
Bailyn Sullivan

Kade Banks
Caleb Tangitau
Liam Coombes-Fabling
Taine Robinson
Heremaia Murray
Daniel Sinkinson

Some other names suggested in a paywalled ODT article

Props - Pole, Bower as possibilities. No mention of their current contract status
Hooker - apparently Slater's contract with the Chiefs is up this year.

[Bovidae]

@Duluth said in Highlanders 2024:

Hooker - apparently Slater's contract with the Chiefs is up this year.

If Thompson goes the Chiefs won't want to lose Slater as well. He's guaranteed to play each week at the moment.

[Landers92]

@Duluth said in Highlanders 2024:

@Tim said in Highlanders 2024:

Having a look over the NZ squads (and Rebels), who might be available for the Highlanders to pick up? Some possibilities:

Jordan Lay
Mason Tupaea
Sione Ahio
Jared Proffit
Kauvaka Kaivelata
Finlay Brewis

Soane Vikena
Ioane Moananu
Kianu Kereru-Symes
Jacob Devery
Raymond Tuputupu

Antonio Shalfoon
Ben Grant

Vaiolini Ekuasi
Rob Rush
TK Howden

Josh Jacomb
Rivez Reihana

Matt Proctor
Bailyn Sullivan

Kade Banks
Caleb Tangitau
Liam Coombes-Fabling
Taine Robinson
Heremaia Murray
Daniel Sinkinson

Some other names suggested in a paywalled ODT article

Props - Pole, Bower as possibilities. No mention of their current contract status

Interesting. Both of them are loosehead props and that’s the position we seem to have sorted so he hasn’t looked into the squad at all. I wouldn’t say no adding either of them though. In my opinion Bower will miss out on AB selection so we might see a lot of him for Otago, along with Pole.

[SouthernMann]

@Duluth said in Highlanders 2024:

@Tim said in Highlanders 2024:

Having a look over the NZ squads (and Rebels), who might be available for the Highlanders to pick up? Some possibilities:

Jordan Lay
Mason Tupaea
Sione Ahio
Jared Proffit
Kauvaka Kaivelata
Finlay Brewis

Soane Vikena
Ioane Moananu
Kianu Kereru-Symes
Jacob Devery
Raymond Tuputupu

Antonio Shalfoon
Ben Grant

Vaiolini Ekuasi
Rob Rush
TK Howden

Josh Jacomb
Rivez Reihana

Matt Proctor
Bailyn Sullivan

Kade Banks
Caleb Tangitau
Liam Coombes-Fabling
Taine Robinson
Heremaia Murray
Daniel Sinkinson

Some other names suggested in a paywalled ODT article

Props - Pole, Bower as possibilities. No mention of their current contract status
Hooker - apparently Slater's contract with the Chiefs is up this year.

I normally enjoy Hayden Meikle's work. That article though, is just lazy and sloopy. Which is why us Highlander's fans are lucky to have Paul Cully covering the team. Mentioning George Bower and Abraham Pole is just pulling names of local guys. He talks about the loosies and continues to not acknowledge Harmon is leaving when it is confirmed on the Highlander's socials. Then talks about needing to find a ball carrying looseforward, after he mentions our 6/8s lf Sanders, Haig, Broughton and Renton. With the 10s, talks about another overseas player or someone like Jacomb. Which won't happen. In the midfield he mentions the future of TUJ is unclear. Paul Cully from Stuff had confirmed he is returning yesterday. All it takes is checking an article for updates before going to print. The ODT is a good publication. It just ofter gets shown up by superior reporters in Dunedin with Hamish McNeilly and Paul Cully. Rubbish like this article from Hayden Meikle isn't a good look for an experienced sports editor.

[Landers92]

@SouthernMann and they have it behind a paywall to top it off😂

[Chris]

@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2024:

@Duluth said in Highlanders 2024:

@Tim said in Highlanders 2024:

Having a look over the NZ squads (and Rebels), who might be available for the Highlanders to pick up? Some possibilities:

Jordan Lay
Mason Tupaea
Sione Ahio
Jared Proffit
Kauvaka Kaivelata
Finlay Brewis

Soane Vikena
Ioane Moananu
Kianu Kereru-Symes
Jacob Devery
Raymond Tuputupu

Antonio Shalfoon
Ben Grant

Vaiolini Ekuasi
Rob Rush
TK Howden

Josh Jacomb
Rivez Reihana

Matt Proctor
Bailyn Sullivan

Kade Banks
Caleb Tangitau
Liam Coombes-Fabling
Taine Robinson
Heremaia Murray
Daniel Sinkinson

Some other names suggested in a paywalled ODT article

Props - Pole, Bower as possibilities. No mention of their current contract status

Interesting. Both of them are loosehead props and that’s the position we seem to have sorted so he hasn’t looked into the squad at all. I wouldn’t say no adding either of them though. In my opinion Bower will miss out on AB selection so we might see a lot of him for Otago, along with Pole.

Bower is contracted to 2025 with the Crusaders anyway.
With Numia out most probably George Bower is a good bet for AB selection.

[SouthernMann]

@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2024:

@SouthernMann and they have it behind a paywall to top it off😂

No issue with good content being behind a paywall. Customers should be encouraged to subscribe. This shouldn't be though. Knowledgeable rugby fans can produce better than this. Sure, he may have written it a few days ago. To have a bit more crdability, he just should have ensured his content was up to date. It wasn't.

[Landers92]

@Chris said in Highlanders 2024:

@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2024:

@Duluth said in Highlanders 2024:

@Tim said in Highlanders 2024:

Having a look over the NZ squads (and Rebels), who might be available for the Highlanders to pick up? Some possibilities:

Jordan Lay
Mason Tupaea
Sione Ahio
Jared Proffit
Kauvaka Kaivelata
Finlay Brewis

Soane Vikena
Ioane Moananu
Kianu Kereru-Symes
Jacob Devery
Raymond Tuputupu

Antonio Shalfoon
Ben Grant

Vaiolini Ekuasi
Rob Rush
TK Howden

Josh Jacomb
Rivez Reihana

Matt Proctor
Bailyn Sullivan

Kade Banks
Caleb Tangitau
Liam Coombes-Fabling
Taine Robinson
Heremaia Murray
Daniel Sinkinson

Some other names suggested in a paywalled ODT article

Props - Pole, Bower as possibilities. No mention of their current contract status

Interesting. Both of them are loosehead props and that’s the position we seem to have sorted so he hasn’t looked into the squad at all. I wouldn’t say no adding either of them though. In my opinion Bower will miss out on AB selection so we might see a lot of him for Otago, along with Pole.

Bower is contracted to 2025 with the Crusaders anyway.
With Numia out most probably George Bower is a good bet for AB selection.

Depends how many loose heads you want to take. 3 is enough for me but who knows what the coaches are thinking.

De Groot, Tuungafasi, Tamaiti Williams.

If he’s contracted in 2025 to the Crusaders then again the point southernman made above about the journalist not doing his job is bang on. No need to worry about that being a talking point over the next few months then.

[Landers92]

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:

@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2024:

@SouthernMann and they have it behind a paywall to top it off😂

No issue with good content being behind a paywall. Customers should be encouraged to subscribe. This shouldn't be though. Knowledgeable rugby fans can produce better than this. Sure, he may have written it a few days ago. To have a bit more crdability, he just should have ensured his content was up to date. It wasn't.

This article isn’t good content, you said it yourself, hence why I said it tops it off….

[Chris]

@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2024:

@Chris said in Highlanders 2024:

@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2024:

@Duluth said in Highlanders 2024:

@Tim said in Highlanders 2024:

Having a look over the NZ squads (and Rebels), who might be available for the Highlanders to pick up? Some possibilities:

Jordan Lay
Mason Tupaea
Sione Ahio
Jared Proffit
Kauvaka Kaivelata
Finlay Brewis

Soane Vikena
Ioane Moananu
Kianu Kereru-Symes
Jacob Devery
Raymond Tuputupu

Antonio Shalfoon
Ben Grant

Vaiolini Ekuasi
Rob Rush
TK Howden

Josh Jacomb
Rivez Reihana

Matt Proctor
Bailyn Sullivan

Kade Banks
Caleb Tangitau
Liam Coombes-Fabling
Taine Robinson
Heremaia Murray
Daniel Sinkinson

Some other names suggested in a paywalled ODT article

Props - Pole, Bower as possibilities. No mention of their current contract status

Interesting. Both of them are loosehead props and that’s the position we seem to have sorted so he hasn’t looked into the squad at all. I wouldn’t say no adding either of them though. In my opinion Bower will miss out on AB selection so we might see a lot of him for Otago, along with Pole.

Bower is contracted to 2025 with the Crusaders anyway.
With Numia out most probably George Bower is a good bet for AB selection.

Depends how many loose heads you want to take. 3 is enough for me but who knows what the coaches are thinking.

De Groot, Tuungafasi, Tamaiti Williams.

If he’s contracted in 2025 to the Crusaders then again the point southernman made above about the journalist not doing his job is bang on. No need to worry about that being a talking point over the next few months then.

I think you may find Tuungafasi, Tamaiti Williams,Bower will all cover the 3rd TH spot behind Lomax and Newell.As all 3 can play TH at a pinch.

[Landers92]

@Chris said in Highlanders 2024:

@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2024:

@Chris said in Highlanders 2024:

@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2024:

@Duluth said in Highlanders 2024:

@Tim said in Highlanders 2024:

Having a look over the NZ squads (and Rebels), who might be available for the Highlanders to pick up? Some possibilities:

Jordan Lay
Mason Tupaea
Sione Ahio
Jared Proffit
Kauvaka Kaivelata
Finlay Brewis

Soane Vikena
Ioane Moananu
Kianu Kereru-Symes
Jacob Devery
Raymond Tuputupu

Antonio Shalfoon
Ben Grant

Vaiolini Ekuasi
Rob Rush
TK Howden

Josh Jacomb
Rivez Reihana

Matt Proctor
Bailyn Sullivan

Kade Banks
Caleb Tangitau
Liam Coombes-Fabling
Taine Robinson
Heremaia Murray
Daniel Sinkinson

Some other names suggested in a paywalled ODT article

Props - Pole, Bower as possibilities. No mention of their current contract status

Interesting. Both of them are loosehead props and that’s the position we seem to have sorted so he hasn’t looked into the squad at all. I wouldn’t say no adding either of them though. In my opinion Bower will miss out on AB selection so we might see a lot of him for Otago, along with Pole.

Bower is contracted to 2025 with the Crusaders anyway.
With Numia out most probably George Bower is a good bet for AB selection.

Depends how many loose heads you want to take. 3 is enough for me but who knows what the coaches are thinking.

De Groot, Tuungafasi, Tamaiti Williams.

If he’s contracted in 2025 to the Crusaders then again the point southernman made above about the journalist not doing his job is bang on. No need to worry about that being a talking point over the next few months then.

I think you may find Tuungafasi, Tamaiti Williams,Bower will all cover the 3rd TH spot behind Lomax and Newell.As all 3 can play TH at a pinch.

Theres also that option. Wouldnt be surprised either way, plus Razor knows what he has in Bower. Will be interesting either way.

Anyway, back to the Highlanders thread. We can close the idea of Bower down right now😂

[SouthernMann]

@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2024:

@Chris said in Highlanders 2024:

@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2024:

@Chris said in Highlanders 2024:

@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2024:

@Duluth said in Highlanders 2024:

@Tim said in Highlanders 2024:

Having a look over the NZ squads (and Rebels), who might be available for the Highlanders to pick up? Some possibilities:

Jordan Lay
Mason Tupaea
Sione Ahio
Jared Proffit
Kauvaka Kaivelata
Finlay Brewis

Soane Vikena
Ioane Moananu
Kianu Kereru-Symes
Jacob Devery
Raymond Tuputupu

Antonio Shalfoon
Ben Grant

Vaiolini Ekuasi
Rob Rush
TK Howden

Josh Jacomb
Rivez Reihana

Matt Proctor
Bailyn Sullivan

Kade Banks
Caleb Tangitau
Liam Coombes-Fabling
Taine Robinson
Heremaia Murray
Daniel Sinkinson

Some other names suggested in a paywalled ODT article

Props - Pole, Bower as possibilities. No mention of their current contract status

Interesting. Both of them are loosehead props and that’s the position we seem to have sorted so he hasn’t looked into the squad at all. I wouldn’t say no adding either of them though. In my opinion Bower will miss out on AB selection so we might see a lot of him for Otago, along with Pole.

Bower is contracted to 2025 with the Crusaders anyway.
With Numia out most probably George Bower is a good bet for AB selection.

Depends how many loose heads you want to take. 3 is enough for me but who knows what the coaches are thinking.

De Groot, Tuungafasi, Tamaiti Williams.

If he’s contracted in 2025 to the Crusaders then again the point southernman made above about the journalist not doing his job is bang on. No need to worry about that being a talking point over the next few months then.

I think you may find Tuungafasi, Tamaiti Williams,Bower will all cover the 3rd TH spot behind Lomax and Newell.As all 3 can play TH at a pinch.

Theres also that option. Wouldnt be surprised either way, plus Razor knows what he has in Bower. Will be interesting either way.

Anyway, back to the Highlanders thread. We can close the idea of Bower down right now😂

And another big loose forward, an overseas 10, can confirm TUJ's future, that Harmon is confirmed to be leaving, it is likely Whaanga (J) will be in the midfield, not outside back group and dubious whether Matt Whaanga will be back

[frugby]

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:

@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2024:

@Chris said in Highlanders 2024:

@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2024:

@Chris said in Highlanders 2024:

@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2024:

@Duluth said in Highlanders 2024:

@Tim said in Highlanders 2024:

Having a look over the NZ squads (and Rebels), who might be available for the Highlanders to pick up? Some possibilities:

Jordan Lay
Mason Tupaea
Sione Ahio
Jared Proffit
Kauvaka Kaivelata
Finlay Brewis

Soane Vikena
Ioane Moananu
Kianu Kereru-Symes
Jacob Devery
Raymond Tuputupu

Antonio Shalfoon
Ben Grant

Vaiolini Ekuasi
Rob Rush
TK Howden

Josh Jacomb
Rivez Reihana

Matt Proctor
Bailyn Sullivan

Kade Banks
Caleb Tangitau
Liam Coombes-Fabling
Taine Robinson
Heremaia Murray
Daniel Sinkinson

Some other names suggested in a paywalled ODT article

Props - Pole, Bower as possibilities. No mention of their current contract status

Interesting. Both of them are loosehead props and that’s the position we seem to have sorted so he hasn’t looked into the squad at all. I wouldn’t say no adding either of them though. In my opinion Bower will miss out on AB selection so we might see a lot of him for Otago, along with Pole.

Bower is contracted to 2025 with the Crusaders anyway.
With Numia out most probably George Bower is a good bet for AB selection.

Depends how many loose heads you want to take. 3 is enough for me but who knows what the coaches are thinking.

De Groot, Tuungafasi, Tamaiti Williams.

If he’s contracted in 2025 to the Crusaders then again the point southernman made above about the journalist not doing his job is bang on. No need to worry about that being a talking point over the next few months then.

I think you may find Tuungafasi, Tamaiti Williams,Bower will all cover the 3rd TH spot behind Lomax and Newell.As all 3 can play TH at a pinch.

Theres also that option. Wouldnt be surprised either way, plus Razor knows what he has in Bower. Will be interesting either way.

Anyway, back to the Highlanders thread. We can close the idea of Bower down right now😂

And another big loose forward, an overseas 10, can confirm TUJ's future, that Harmon is confirmed to be leaving, it is likely Whaanga (J) will be in the midfield, not outside back group and dubious whether Matt Whaanga will be back

Wouldn't rule out a big loose forward. Sanders and Renton could feasibly be done at the end of 2025, so if Stodart has replaced Hicks rather than Harmon, they may see what they can get (They're supposedly talking to Frizell along with the Crusaders).

[SouthernMann]

@frugby said in Highlanders 2024:

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:

@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2024:

@Chris said in Highlanders 2024:

@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2024:

@Chris said in Highlanders 2024:

@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2024:

@Duluth said in Highlanders 2024:

@Tim said in Highlanders 2024:

Having a look over the NZ squads (and Rebels), who might be available for the Highlanders to pick up? Some possibilities:

Jordan Lay
Mason Tupaea
Sione Ahio
Jared Proffit
Kauvaka Kaivelata
Finlay Brewis

Soane Vikena
Ioane Moananu
Kianu Kereru-Symes
Jacob Devery
Raymond Tuputupu

Antonio Shalfoon
Ben Grant

Vaiolini Ekuasi
Rob Rush
TK Howden

Josh Jacomb
Rivez Reihana

Matt Proctor
Bailyn Sullivan

Kade Banks
Caleb Tangitau
Liam Coombes-Fabling
Taine Robinson
Heremaia Murray
Daniel Sinkinson

Some other names suggested in a paywalled ODT article

Props - Pole, Bower as possibilities. No mention of their current contract status

Interesting. Both of them are loosehead props and that’s the position we seem to have sorted so he hasn’t looked into the squad at all. I wouldn’t say no adding either of them though. In my opinion Bower will miss out on AB selection so we might see a lot of him for Otago, along with Pole.

Bower is contracted to 2025 with the Crusaders anyway.
With Numia out most probably George Bower is a good bet for AB selection.

Depends how many loose heads you want to take. 3 is enough for me but who knows what the coaches are thinking.

De Groot, Tuungafasi, Tamaiti Williams.

If he’s contracted in 2025 to the Crusaders then again the point southernman made above about the journalist not doing his job is bang on. No need to worry about that being a talking point over the next few months then.

I think you may find Tuungafasi, Tamaiti Williams,Bower will all cover the 3rd TH spot behind Lomax and Newell.As all 3 can play TH at a pinch.

Theres also that option. Wouldnt be surprised either way, plus Razor knows what he has in Bower. Will be interesting either way.

Anyway, back to the Highlanders thread. We can close the idea of Bower down right now😂

And another big loose forward, an overseas 10, can confirm TUJ's future, that Harmon is confirmed to be leaving, it is likely Whaanga (J) will be in the midfield, not outside back group and dubious whether Matt Whaanga will be back

Wouldn't rule out a big loose forward. Sanders and Renton could feasibly be done at the end of 2025, so if Stodart has replaced Hicks rather than Harmon, they may see what they can get (They're supposedly talking to Frizell along with the Crusaders).

If Frizzell falls on our lap, no complaints. If not him, I don't see us going out chasing a fringe Super player, who'd be behind the likes of Broughton, Stodart, or Haig in our pecking order. I'd expect Hicks to mainly play lock, if he sticks around. He was predominantly used there for the first half of the season. If we land Frizzell, I'd expect Haig to play a fair bit of lock off the bench as well. The management team has a lot of trust in him, it would be disappointing to potentially lose him, to get a couple of years out of Shannon Frizzell.

[Bones]

@Tim I'd be very happy with Grant, Howden, Jacomb and Sullivan.

[SouthernMann]

Apparently Ethan de Groot has had a dislocated finger for six months. Would have been a touch sore.

[Kiwiwomble]

must be messed up not to have just be put back in to place, ive had a few and always put back in as soon as possible

edit: ok, i didn't click that he didnt realise it was dislocated, thought they must have deiced to delay relocating it for some reason......but how do you not know this is dislocated?!?!?