Highlanders 2024
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The news about Dunshea is obviously very disappointing, but not sure it is a big deal in the grand scheme. Parkinson and Holland is a good second row, Tucker there to backup + Hicks can play there. If he is available after the NPC, unsure on his contractual situation, Tom Franklin is the obvious replacement. Outside of that, you are looking at Josh Beehre if he hasn't signed elsewhere or one of the Hawke's Bay boys.
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So we have a few weeks to confirm our third hooker, two midfield backs and a lock. With the lock, I'm almost tempted for us to make Max Hicks take on the fourth lock role and Will Stodart pick up the vacant loosie spot. The Umaga-Jensen replacement will be a tough one to nail down. Especially if we still have confirmed who the other midfield option will be. It says they can't get who they want or don't like who is available. Josh Whaanga may end up get the TUJ spot, with his brother being in a wider playing group as well for when Josh probably goes away with NZ U20s. I think remaining midfielder will be pivotal in the success of the team next year. They need to be a starting centre.
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@Bones said in Highlanders 2024:
Seriously, I see Dylan Riley signed with Wild Knights almost 3 years ago? I know we most likely couldn't compete with the cash, but what's his contract status?
It would be an awesome pick up. We have form in the past with one season deals with Himeno. Would be a absolute banger from JJ. Never got a chance in Super. Surely he wants to prove himself there.
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Who do we think?
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@Kiwiwomble The majority of Mako backs are already signed somewhere (other SR franchises or overseas); maybe Taine Robinson (10/fullback)? Or Will Gualter? Tavatavanawai has already signed. Unless some players aren't keen to return to MP ...
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@Stargazer said in Highlanders 2024:
@Kiwiwomble The majority of Mako backs are already signed somewhere (other SR franchises or overseas) or are very green; maybe Taine Robinson (10/fullback)? Or Will Gualter? Tavatavanawai has already signed.
I think you are pretty close
Springer,Amua,Hotham already at the Crusaders.
Tavatavanawai signed for Highlanders
And Nankevilli off over seas. -
@Stargazer said in Highlanders 2024:
Taine Robinson (10/fullback)?
i guess if millar is seen as an injury problem?
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@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2024:
@Stargazer said in Highlanders 2024:
Taine Robinson (10/fullback)?
i guess if millar is seen as an injury problem?
Robinson can also play 2nd five and Gaulter is really a centre.
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@Bones said in Highlanders 2024:
@Chris said in Highlanders 2024:
It will not be Chapman Highlanders have 3 HBs signed
We will not let that stop us! You can't tell us what to do. Naysayer
That would right
I see we’re the Highlanders are heading light weight team extreme speed to the breakdown 3 HBs at each breakdown one to pass left and one to pass right and one to pass back for the kick.
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Just a hunch, the Highlanders still haven't announced our new attack coach. Tom Marshall could easily be coming in to help with that, potentially with either Flutey or B. Smith getting promoted to attack coach.
If it is multiple, Gualter shapes as the obvious name, perhaps Taine Robinson, but we literally said we were looking for midfielders. Tim O'Malley I believe is floating about, played a game for us a few years ago, so is also in the picture.
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Have some news on the signing front, and it is a little (very) underwhelming.
I'm hearing Tanielu Tele'a is coming in to take the midfield spot. I believe this is a done deal, though unlikely to be announced prior to the squad announcement date. This might make a lot of sense, because there were rumours we were signing Mark Telea... wondering if people got their Tele(')as mixed up!
At hooker, they have not been able to get someone from overseas, so have turned local. They are in a dogfight with the Chiefs for Bradley Slater, no clue whether he is contracted to them and seeking a release, or whether both are fighting for someone who is off-contract. If not him, the word is they are going to have to plomp for Ricky Jackson.
Big meetings were had with Joseph, Clark and Dermody this week, and sounds likely Jamie was laying down the law. Three hours with Derms just laying things out.
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@frugby said in Highlanders 2024:
Have some news on the signing front, and it is a little (very) underwhelming.
I'm hearing Tanielu Tele'a is coming in to take the midfield spot. I believe this is a done deal, though unlikely to be announced prior to the squad announcement date. This might make a lot of sense, because there were rumours we were signing Mark Telea... wondering if people got their Tele(')as mixed up!
At hooker, they have not been able to get someone from overseas, so have turned local. They are in a dogfight with the Chiefs for Bradley Slater, no clue whether he is contracted to them and seeking a release, or whether both are fighting for someone who is off-contract. If not him, the word is they are going to have to plomp for Ricky Jackson.
Big meetings were had with Joseph, Clark and Dermody this week, and sounds likely Jamie was laying down the law. Three hours with Derms just laying things out.
....thats...thats not how you're supposed to do that....naming names? your just supposed to come in a say you know something that the rest of us dont...and then who ever gets named come back in and say thats who you were talking about
do better
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@Bovidae said in Highlanders 2024:
@frugby There has never been any contract info from the Chiefs about Slater. I think this would be a good move for both parties if it happens.
Chiefs want to keep him, nothing signed yet, but I fail to really see why Slater wouldn't want to make the move.
