Highlanders 2024
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@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-BachopProbably Leaving:
Jackson
M Whaanga
TimuDefinitely 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).
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.
Haven't read the article, but I'd assume if Tele'a hasn't yet signed elsewhere, then logically he would re-sign? Hope he does.
Have heard Tangitau is a no in regards to the outside back.
Tighthead prop will be a tricky one...
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@frugby yeah, resigning tela would be the top of my list for them to sort out
anyone got any goss as to why we only signed him for one year? our idea? his idea?
im hoping if it was ours we didn't piss him off as i think he's done enough this year to at least have some interest from elsewhere
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@frugby said in Highlanders 2024:
@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2024:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2024:
- J Whaanga and Umaga-Jensen replace Timu and M Whaanga
one).
TUJ was contracted this year, was timu or Whaanga injury replacement for him? so the replacement goes and the original comes back?
M Whaanga replaced TUJ, who was never actually named in the squad.
Correct.
To avoid any confusion here for anyone. TUJ was still signed with the team this season, he just wasn’t named due to his injury sustained in NPC.
As a result Matt Whaanga received a full contract and was named in the squad initially instead. He wasn’t an in season/pre season injury replacement if that’s what anyone is thinking.
- J Whaanga and Umaga-Jensen replace Timu and M Whaanga
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@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2024:
anyone got any goss as to why we only signed him for one year? our idea? his idea?
Probably because he was constantly injured. It was also mentioned by a good source that he was a cheap signing too
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@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-BachopProbably Leaving:
Jackson
M Whaanga
TimuDefinitely 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.
Hold on. Are you saying you believe Renton and Broughton will be used as stop gap 7’s then?
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He (Tele'a) may have seen the Landers opportunity as a good one to develop a highlight reel. If we can keep him, great. If not, we probably knew what we were getting last year when we got him at the last minute. The other spanner is that Jonah Lowe still has one more year to run. Before he was injured, he was only used at centre.
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@Landers92 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-BachopProbably Leaving:
Jackson
M Whaanga
TimuDefinitely 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.
Hold on. Are you saying you believe Renton and Broughton will be used as stop gap 7’s then?
Yip. Broughton has done the role before. Was even picked ahead of Michaels. Renton has played openside previously as well. Otago's opensides will be out of Harry Taylor, Aaron Withy and Max Ratcliffe. Southland will run dual opensides, with Mciahels and Withy. I can't imagine there are many decent options around the country. Just take the gamble for a year.
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:
@Landers92 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-BachopProbably Leaving:
Jackson
M Whaanga
TimuDefinitely 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.
Hold on. Are you saying you believe Renton and Broughton will be used as stop gap 7’s then?
Yip. Broughton has done the role before. Was even picked ahead of Michaels. Renton has played openside previously as well. Otago's opensides will be out of Harry Taylor, Aaron Withy and Max Ratcliffe. Southland will run dual opensides, with Mciahels and Withy. I can't imagine there are many decent options around the country. Just take the gamble for a year.
If we are running them out as 7’s at any point next season we must be in trouble. Renton is far from at 7… Broughton can spot start there but isn’t exactly who you want at openside. Hopefully someone sticks their hand up in the NPC eg Harry Taylor or Hayden Michaels.
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@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2024:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:
@Landers92 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-BachopProbably Leaving:
Jackson
M Whaanga
TimuDefinitely 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.
Hold on. Are you saying you believe Renton and Broughton will be used as stop gap 7’s then?
Yip. Broughton has done the role before. Was even picked ahead of Michaels. Renton has played openside previously as well. Otago's opensides will be out of Harry Taylor, Aaron Withy and Max Ratcliffe. Southland will run dual opensides, with Mciahels and Withy. I can't imagine there are many decent options around the country. Just take the gamble for a year.
If we are running them out as 7’s at any point next season we must be in trouble. Renton is far from at 7… Broughton can spot start there but isn’t exactly who you want at openside. Hopefully someone sticks their hand up in the NPC eg Harry Taylor or Hayden Michaels.
Broughton started at openside in one game this season. Hayden Michaels is in the loosie mix for next year. Off the top of my head it'll be Stodart, Broughton, Renton, Withy, Michaels, Haig and Sanders. I'd expect Ratcliffe might get some pre-season gametime too. Potentially Max Hicks too. Although, he might be chucked into the locking group, if he returns. Interestingly, Otago has started putting up who is in its playing group for this year. Names missing from last year are Ricky Jackson, as mentioned by Irish Paul TUJ and Josh Hill. https://www.orfu.co.nz/HIGH-PERFORMANCE/NPC/2024-player-profiles .
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:
@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2024:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:
@Landers92 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-BachopProbably Leaving:
Jackson
M Whaanga
TimuDefinitely 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.
Hold on. Are you saying you believe Renton and Broughton will be used as stop gap 7’s then?
Yip. Broughton has done the role before. Was even picked ahead of Michaels. Renton has played openside previously as well. Otago's opensides will be out of Harry Taylor, Aaron Withy and Max Ratcliffe. Southland will run dual opensides, with Mciahels and Withy. I can't imagine there are many decent options around the country. Just take the gamble for a year.
If we are running them out as 7’s at any point next season we must be in trouble. Renton is far from at 7… Broughton can spot start there but isn’t exactly who you want at openside. Hopefully someone sticks their hand up in the NPC eg Harry Taylor or Hayden Michaels.
Broughton started at openside in one game this season. Hayden Michaels is in the loosie mix for next year. Off the top of my head it'll be Stodart, Broughton, Renton, Withy, Michaels, Haig and Sanders.
Yup he did, that’s why I said he can spot start there and I’m also aware Michaels and Taylor will be in the Highlanders mix next season hence the comment about them putting their hands up in the NPC to be that back up 7 next season.
What I was getting at is we need proper 7’s at 7. Broughton and Renton are not those. Hopefully some of those young lads can take a step up this NPC because the Highlanders squad needs it. If not they could be looking elsewhere for 7 competition.
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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 BrewisSoane Vikena
Ioane Moananu
Kianu Kereru-Symes
Jacob Devery
Raymond TuputupuAntonio Shalfoon
Ben GrantVaiolini Ekuasi
Rob Rush
TK HowdenJosh Jacomb
Rivez ReihanaMatt Proctor
Bailyn SullivanKade Banks
Caleb Tangitau
Liam Coombes-Fabling
Taine Robinson
Heremaia Murray
Daniel Sinkinson -
@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2024:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:
@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2024:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2024:
@Landers92 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-BachopProbably Leaving:
Jackson
M Whaanga
TimuDefinitely 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.
Hold on. Are you saying you believe Renton and Broughton will be used as stop gap 7’s then?
Yip. Broughton has done the role before. Was even picked ahead of Michaels. Renton has played openside previously as well. Otago's opensides will be out of Harry Taylor, Aaron Withy and Max Ratcliffe. Southland will run dual opensides, with Mciahels and Withy. I can't imagine there are many decent options around the country. Just take the gamble for a year.
If we are running them out as 7’s at any point next season we must be in trouble. Renton is far from at 7… Broughton can spot start there but isn’t exactly who you want at openside. Hopefully someone sticks their hand up in the NPC eg Harry Taylor or Hayden Michaels.
Broughton started at openside in one game this season. Hayden Michaels is in the loosie mix for next year. Off the top of my head it'll be Stodart, Broughton, Renton, Withy, Michaels, Haig and Sanders.
Yup he did, that’s why I said he can spot start there and I’m also aware Michaels and Taylor will be in the Highlanders mix next season hence the comment about them putting their hands up in the NPC to be that back up 7 next season.
What I was getting at is we need proper 7’s at 7. Broughton and Renton are not those. Hopefully some of those young lads can take a step up this NPC because the Highlanders squad needs it. If not they could be looking elsewhere for 7 competition.
I'd be very surprised if Harry Taylor is anywhere near the set-up. Doesn't appear to be any room. Who knows, may play like a rockstar for Otago. From what I've read, it seems the Landers management will be focusing more keenly on Ratcliffe and his development.
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@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 BrewisSoane Vikena
Ioane Moananu
Kianu Kereru-Symes
Jacob Devery
Raymond TuputupuAntonio Shalfoon
Ben GrantVaiolini Ekuasi
Rob Rush
TK HowdenJosh Jacomb
Rivez ReihanaMatt Proctor
Bailyn SullivanKade Banks
Caleb Tangitau
Liam Coombes-Fabling
Taine Robinson
Heremaia Murray
Daniel SinkinsonOut of that group I'd be keen on Heremaia Murray, tangitau (even though doesn't sound like it is happening), Sinkinson at a stretch), Bailyn Sullivan and Brewis
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@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-BachopProbably Leaving:
Jackson
M Whaanga
TimuDefinitely 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. -
@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-BachopProbably Leaving:
Jackson
M Whaanga
TimuDefinitely 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.
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@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 BrewisSoane Vikena
Ioane Moananu
Kianu Kereru-Symes
Jacob Devery
Raymond TuputupuAntonio Shalfoon
Ben GrantVaiolini Ekuasi
Rob Rush
TK HowdenJosh Jacomb
Rivez ReihanaMatt Proctor
Bailyn SullivanKade Banks
Caleb Tangitau
Liam Coombes-Fabling
Taine Robinson
Heremaia Murray
Daniel SinkinsonSome 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. -
@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 BrewisSoane Vikena
Ioane Moananu
Kianu Kereru-Symes
Jacob Devery
Raymond TuputupuAntonio Shalfoon
Ben GrantVaiolini Ekuasi
Rob Rush
TK HowdenJosh Jacomb
Rivez ReihanaMatt Proctor
Bailyn SullivanKade Banks
Caleb Tangitau
Liam Coombes-Fabling
Taine Robinson
Heremaia Murray
Daniel SinkinsonSome 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.
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@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 BrewisSoane Vikena
Ioane Moananu
Kianu Kereru-Symes
Jacob Devery
Raymond TuputupuAntonio Shalfoon
Ben GrantVaiolini Ekuasi
Rob Rush
TK HowdenJosh Jacomb
Rivez ReihanaMatt Proctor
Bailyn SullivanKade Banks
Caleb Tangitau
Liam Coombes-Fabling
Taine Robinson
Heremaia Murray
Daniel SinkinsonSome 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.
