Hurricanes 2025
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@foobaNZ said in Hurricanes 2025:
@Dan54 we shouldn't be scared to try new talent, even at 10.
I'd much rather a promising up and coming first five over an average veteran. I think in certain positions the Canes have too long accepted mediocrity. I'm thinking Prinsep, Blackwell, JGB type players.
Look at Sititi this year for the ABs. He's green as fuck, but going great guns.
I'm not too concerned with the options we have, I think Love and Godfrey (and whoever else we sign) are solid enough options, they just need time in the saddle. If Roigard gets injured again though we will be in deep shit. All our 10 needs to do next year is not overplay their hand, communicate effectively and put us in the right areas of the park. The Canes are obviously going to implement an attacking mindset with Iose at 8, Roigard at 9, Higgins likely at 12, and Naholo, Love etc out the back.
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Stoked to find this Forum.
Nervous and excited to see what the squad ends up looking like. Front rowers, loose forwards, half backs and midfield pretty sorted. Need some 10s and wingers.
Wondering if we could see Bailyn Sullivan used outwide this season. Honestly still think that guy could still break out a bit more. His stiff arm on RTS to set up Ardie for that game winner still etched in my mind. -
I've done a bit of an update on the squad for next year based on the recent news of Brett Cameron.
Hurricanes Squad 2025 - signed so far
Props:
T Lomax (2026)
X Numia (2025)
T Mafileo (2026)
P Tosi (2026)
S Lauaki (2025)
P Rakete-Stones (2025)Hookers:
A Aumua (2025)Two positions up for grabs - those in the running within the squad already are Jacob Devery, James O'Reilly, Raymond Tuputupu and Vernon Bason. I expect the other two hookers to come from those four.
Locks
Z Gallagher (2025)
C Delany (2027)
I Walker-Leawere (2026)
J Taula (2025)
T Allen (2026)
Will Tucker (unknown)?? Apparently Will Tucker has signed for the Canes, I wonder if that's instead of Josh Taula who's maybe been released?Loose forwards:
P Lakai (2027)
A Saveaoff to Moana Pasifika - a replacement will be needed here.
D Flanders (2026)
B Iose (2027)
T Howden (2025)Has apparently signed with the Highlanders so a replacement will be needed here.
B Shields (2026)
D Kirifi (2025)Halfbacks:
C Roigard (2027)
T Perenara (2025)Japan bound will need replacing.
J Vijoen (2026)I'd say Kyle Preston is in the hot seat to take TJ's spot. He's been very solid for the Lions this year (and last). Would be a great third option.
First fives:
B Cameron (2026)is now injured and out of the 2025 campaign. Replacement will be required here.
H Godfrey (2025)Two positions available at first five with the injury to Cameron and the departure of Morgan. A few names have been talked about including Lincoln McLutchie, Lucas Cashmore, Callum Harkin and Rico Simpson. JGB thankfully isn't an option after signing for MP.
Centres:
R Higgins (2026)
B Proctor (2025)
P Umaga-Jensen (2026)
B Sullivan (2025)One position available - I wouldn't mind if we picked up Kyle Brown from Manawatu, very solid operator at 13 and I don't think he would let us down if other guys fell over.
Wings:
D Sinkinson (2025)Three positions available - one will likely go to Naholo. A few exciting young wingers in the NPC right now that would be worth a look at.
Fullbacks:
R Love (2025)One position available - need another Moorby-like player that can cover fullback / wing at a high level. I feel like TJ Clarke is probably the guy that will step into Moorby's shoes. He's quick, has a great boot and could develop into something special.
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@DurryMexted said in Hurricanes 2025:
Stoked to find this Forum.
Nervous and excited to see what the squad ends up looking like. Front rowers, loose forwards, half backs and midfield pretty sorted. Need some 10s and wingers.
Wondering if we could see Bailyn Sullivan used outwide this season. Honestly still think that guy could still break out a bit more. His stiff arm on RTS to set up Ardie for that game winner still etched in my mind.Fresh meat!
But yeah - welcome to TSF bro... good luck. -
@DurryMexted said in Hurricanes 2025:
Stoked to find this Forum.
Nervous and excited to see what the squad ends up looking like. Front rowers, loose forwards, half backs and midfield pretty sorted. Need some 10s and wingers.
Wondering if we could see Bailyn Sullivan used outwide this season. Honestly still think that guy could still break out a bit more. His stiff arm on RTS to set up Ardie for that game winner still etched in my mind.Welcome to the SFern bro, always good to have more Canes supporters in the mix.
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@Canes4life is TJ returning? I thought he was Japan bound
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@DurryMexted nice spot, have updated above.
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@foobaNZ said in Hurricanes 2025:
@Dan54 we shouldn't be scared to try new talent, even at 10.
I'd much rather a promising up and coming first five over an average veteran. I think in certain positions the Canes have too long accepted mediocrity. I'm thinking Prinsep, Blackwell, JGB type players.
Look at Sititi this year for the ABs. He's green as fuck, but going great guns.
Don't get me wrong mate, I not against young 10s being given a go, but honestly believe you need an older head at times. Canes can throw a young 10 in and have to the accept the mistakes etc, and what I meant by won't win comp with just a couple of young one. A young 10 can get ruined by too much pressure before he ready..
Of course a lot of it depends whether they want to try and win 2025 comp or the 2027 one. -
Dan54 - okay, but you can't win a comp with an average 10 either. You're better to go with the young 10 with potential. Jacomb is very green but he's already top 5 in the country cause he's got the skill set.
What player/s would you want the Canes to look like?
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@Dan54 said in Hurricanes 2025:
@foobaNZ said in Hurricanes 2025:
@Dan54 we shouldn't be scared to try new talent, even at 10.
I'd much rather a promising up and coming first five over an average veteran. I think in certain positions the Canes have too long accepted mediocrity. I'm thinking Prinsep, Blackwell, JGB type players.
Look at Sititi this year for the ABs. He's green as fuck, but going great guns.
Don't get me wrong mate, I not against young 10s being given a go, but honestly believe you need an older head at times. Canes can throw a young 10 in and have to the accept the mistakes etc, and what I meant by won't win comp with just a couple of young one. A young 10 can get ruined by too much pressure before he ready..
Of course a lot of it depends whether they want to try and win 2025 comp or the 2027 one.The only real option might be to throw Ruben Love the 10 jersey, he's experienced enough now (although not at 10) but I feel like he would make a good fist of it compared to the young buck that was thrown the jersey about three years ago now. It's either really that, or find an experienced 10 from somewhere which is hard to come by. That's why I feel like McLutchie will get the nod due to him being a little older and wiser now.
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@foobaNZ said in Hurricanes 2025:
Dan54 - okay, but you can't win a comp with an average 10 either. You're better to go with the young 10 with potential. Jacomb is very green but he's already top 5 in the country cause he's got the skill set.
What player/s would you want the Canes to look like?
If you throw a young guy in too early you can ruin his confidence and your team might suffer for a few years because of it.
If you wait another year and give a (slightly less) young guy a chance when he's had a bit more experience under his belt, your team only suffers for the one season you waited.
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@Mr-Fish I couldn't disagree more with that take. Everyone is new once. These guys are pro athletes. The good ones want the heat.
Harkin destroyed Cant first up, in Canterbury. Super is another beast but get him good minutes off the bench behind Love, or Godfrey, and he'll shine. Or I could say the same for Cashmore, or whichever promising (hopefully) 10 we pick up.
If you make a few mistakes in your first season, so be it. Build an environment around your young guys so they're not scared to fail.
The mid (and I'm being a bit generous here...) tier tens the Canes have persisted with the last few years make mistakes game after game. I'm over it.
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@foobaNZ said in Hurricanes 2025:
@Mr-Fish I couldn't disagree more with that take. Everyone is new once. These guys are pro athletes. The good ones want the heat.
Harkin destroyed Cant first up, in Canterbury. Super is another beast but get him good minutes off the bench behind Love, or Godfrey, and he'll shine. Or I could say the same for Cashmore, or whichever promising (hopefully) 10 we pick up.
If you make a few mistakes in your first season, so be it. Build an environment around your young guys so they're not scared to fail.
The mid (and I'm being a bit generous here...) tier tens the Canes have persisted with the last few years make mistakes game after game. I'm over it.
I think picking Harkin is a great idea, but I don't think it would be a great idea going into the season with him as the only out-and-out No 10 because that puts a lot of weight on his shoulders.
Look at what the Chiefs have done with Jacomb, they've eased him into Super Rugby and he'll no doubt play a bigger role next season but without the onus of leading the team week-in and week-out.
The Hurricanes should look to sign Aaron Cruden and then they can have him lead the charge with Harkin or Godfrey coming off the bench - but neither of those players look ready to be starting every week for a Super Rugby side just yet.
It would be a bit different if we weren't talking about arguably the most crucial position on the park.
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Mo'unga is the best recent example of a 10 being ready - went from wider training group in 2015 to full member in 2016, they lost at the QF then won the following year.
Whether the Canes have a player of that calibre, and whether they have a forward pack of the calibre around Mo'unga, are two key questions.
They definitely haven't provided him with the senior players to learn off (Carter, Slade, Taylor).
I'd ask Love whether he really wants to be a 10 or not. Supposedly he chose 15...
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@gt12 said in Hurricanes 2025:
I'd ask Love whether he really wants to be a 10 or not. Supposedly he chose 15...
A 15 that can play 10 as backup could be very handy for the ABs.
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@Mr-Fish said in Hurricanes 2025:
@foobaNZ said in Hurricanes 2025:
@Mr-Fish I couldn't disagree more with that take. Everyone is new once. These guys are pro athletes. The good ones want the heat.
Harkin destroyed Cant first up, in Canterbury. Super is another beast but get him good minutes off the bench behind Love, or Godfrey, and he'll shine. Or I could say the same for Cashmore, or whichever promising (hopefully) 10 we pick up.
If you make a few mistakes in your first season, so be it. Build an environment around your young guys so they're not scared to fail.
The mid (and I'm being a bit generous here...) tier tens the Canes have persisted with the last few years make mistakes game after game. I'm over it.
I think picking Harkin is a great idea, but I don't think it would be a great idea going into the season with him as the only out-and-out No 10 because that puts a lot of weight on his shoulders.
Look at what the Chiefs have done with Jacomb, they've eased him into Super Rugby and he'll no doubt play a bigger role next season but without the onus of leading the team week-in and week-out.
The Hurricanes should look to sign Aaron Cruden and then they can have him lead the charge with Harkin or Godfrey coming off the bench - but neither of those players look ready to be starting every week for a Super Rugby side just yet.
It would be a bit different if we weren't talking about arguably the most crucial position on the park.
Jacomb is a good example too mate. Apparently he was chased by a couple of Super clubs (Canes could of been one) and Barnes the Naki coach advised him to go/stay with Chiefs as he could of got ruined by having to carry team before ready, and could end up being thrashed.
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@gt12 said in Hurricanes 2025:
Mo'unga is the best recent example of a 10 being ready - went from wider training group in 2015 to full member in 2016, they lost at the QF then won the following year.
Whether the Canes have a player of that calibre, and whether they have a forward pack of the calibre around Mo'unga, are two key questions.
They definitely haven't provided him with the senior players to learn off (Carter, Slade, Taylor).
I'd ask Love whether he really wants to be a 10 or not. Supposedly he chose 15...
Any ten that takes over at the Canes will have a pretty good foundation in front of him.
A starting pack of Numia, Aumua, Lomax, Gallagher, Walker-Leawere, Delany, Lakai and Iose will be able to foot it with any pack in the competition, and with Roigard at 9 that will take plenty of pressure off the 10 that comes in.
That's exactly why I don't think we need a superstar at 10, more a 10 that can get us around the park effectively and can put our x-factor players in the best position to put pressure on our opposition.
When you look at someone like Godfrey, it will be his third full year in the system so he's not exactly a newbie. He'll be comfortable with the sort of game the Hurricanes are looking to play so a step into 10 wouldn't be as daunting compared to if he was given the reigns as a complete rookie.
Lincoln McClutchie has just played a season in America with Matt Giteau so would have learnt plenty off him aswell. I'm confident that whoever steps in will do a good job for us. I just hope we don't go for someone who's completely mediocre or well past their used by date i.e. Quade Cooper.
In saying that if Aaron Cruden was offered a contract I wouldn't be pissed off, knowing that he's the sort of 10 that will atleast guide us around the park effectively even if he isn't as nimble as he once was.
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@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2025:
Aaron Cruden
He mentioned this NPC being his absolute last season when I spoke to him after a game earlier this year.
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My main concern is I don't want the Canes to pick some mid - late 20s ten, just because "experience"
Wasting a season with a Garden-Bachop, or Hohepa, or that type of player, is a much worse prospect than giving the spot/s to greener 10s.
What Canes4life is saying re: the team around him is really relevant too. If our 10 is a bit green, he isn't going to be surrounded by other green players. He's around a very stable core of players, with the best 9 in the comp feeding him ball.
