Highlanders 2019 Discussion
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@kiwimurph With two players signed (Gatland and Ioane), Roger Clark said in the article about Gatland signing.
we are still after an experienced player.... Those players don't grow on trees.
Gatland isn't the experienced player. He is the fall back 10 if they can't source an experienced player from overseas.
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"Highlanders chief executive Roger Clark said the Highlanders now had Josh Ioane and Gatland on their books as first five-eighths and were still looking round for an experienced No 10."
Statement points towards wanting a starting player.
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@southernmann I see. Fair enough. I reckon an 'experienced' 10 is overrated anyway. That's how you end up with a Chris Noakes as your 10. Especially in the Highlanders case when you are slotting into an well oiled machine backline wise anyway.
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@kiwimurph That's why I think they are being very picky about who they may bring on-board. I believe they are quite keen to get someone with high level experience who can use the tools outside him well. But they do have the fallback option of Gatland, who is a bit lacking in all round skills. But he can still distribute and allow his outsides to do their jobs.
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@southernmann Tom Taylor wouldnt be available for the 2019 season anyway (still under contract). If he's a free agent during the SR season, they should try to get Hayden Parker back, who had a great season with the Sunwolves last year (one of their best players). He's signed for the Japanese Top League though, so would miss the beginning of pre-season.
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@tim No! Is a typical NZ guy who goes to France/Europe and can play their style well (kick goals) but really does not offer much else. stay away please Highlanders. Hate to say it but Cooper???? just for a season or two until can figure out next best option.
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@98blueandgold
the word is Quade is Rebels bound. Can't see the Highlanders being able to compete financially for him anyway. -
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Bovidae said:
NZR won't be willing to spend big bucks on a non-NZer.
Particularly a flakey one.
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does he still hold a NZ passport (wasnt there an issue a couple of years back around him not even having an Aussie passport?)
Technically he is a Kiwi, who is ineligible for the ABs.
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The legend of Marty Banks
It's not easy to find an apt place to begin the Legend of Marty Banks, first-five and reluctant raconteur whose sinuous journey from the coal mines...
Marty Banks has signed for three years in Japan, but does that leave an opening for him to play Super rugby?
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@chris-b I assume it doesn't because normally, when players sign for a stint in Japan, they do it with NZR's blessing and only for one, or at most two seasons. Basically to keep them in NZ for longer. Banks signed with a Japanese club from Italy, so nothing to do with NZR. But obviously, NZR can bend its own rules.
Edited to add that James Marshall is an example where they allowed the Canes to sign him. Marshall signed with a Japanese club (from England) for - I think - two seasons and will play for the Canes in 2019.
