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Highlanders 2025

Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved Sports Talk
highlanders
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  • U Offline
    U Offline
    upthelanders
    wrote on last edited by
    #449

    Just thought I’d pass on the information that I had been told from a very close source 🤷‍♂️

    He had originally signed in the US but with a change of plans had offers from the Hurricanes, Chiefs, NZ Sevens and Highlanders, so took on the landers deal..
    what I heard is there is something to do with being promised atleast a bench spot for the season 🤷‍♂️
    That’s the info I’d been told so that’s what I’ve given everyone.

    YeetyaahY K 2 Replies Last reply
    2
    • U upthelanders

      Just thought I’d pass on the information that I had been told from a very close source 🤷‍♂️

      He had originally signed in the US but with a change of plans had offers from the Hurricanes, Chiefs, NZ Sevens and Highlanders, so took on the landers deal..
      what I heard is there is something to do with being promised atleast a bench spot for the season 🤷‍♂️
      That’s the info I’d been told so that’s what I’ve given everyone.

      YeetyaahY Offline
      YeetyaahY Offline
      Yeetyaah
      wrote on last edited by
      #450

      @upthelanders said in Highlanders 2025:

      Just thought I’d pass on the information that I had been told from a very close source 🤷‍♂️

      He had originally signed in the US but with a change of plans had offers from the Hurricanes, Chiefs, NZ Sevens and Highlanders, so took on the landers deal..
      what I heard is there is something to do with being promised atleast a bench spot for the season 🤷‍♂️
      That’s the info I’d been told so that’s what I’ve given everyone.

      Manson?

      U 1 Reply Last reply
      0
      • YeetyaahY Yeetyaah

        @upthelanders said in Highlanders 2025:

        Just thought I’d pass on the information that I had been told from a very close source 🤷‍♂️

        He had originally signed in the US but with a change of plans had offers from the Hurricanes, Chiefs, NZ Sevens and Highlanders, so took on the landers deal..
        what I heard is there is something to do with being promised atleast a bench spot for the season 🤷‍♂️
        That’s the info I’d been told so that’s what I’ve given everyone.

        Manson?

        U Offline
        U Offline
        upthelanders
        wrote on last edited by
        #451

        @Yeetyaah 👍

        1 Reply Last reply
        0
        • SmudgeS Online
          SmudgeS Online
          Smudge
          wrote on last edited by
          #452

          Again, I'm sure literally no one is GUARANTEED a bench spot. No one would be told that (not even a surefire starter in the event their form fell off a cliff). That's the most unbelievable part of this all. Unless you're a moron, surely you realise that distinction?

          Even if they are "promised" a bench spot, that reeks of an employment dispute waiting to happen if his form dropped away badly but he still expected to be named.

          nostrildamusN Canes4lifeC 2 Replies Last reply
          6
          • SmudgeS Smudge

            Again, I'm sure literally no one is GUARANTEED a bench spot. No one would be told that (not even a surefire starter in the event their form fell off a cliff). That's the most unbelievable part of this all. Unless you're a moron, surely you realise that distinction?

            Even if they are "promised" a bench spot, that reeks of an employment dispute waiting to happen if his form dropped away badly but he still expected to be named.

            nostrildamusN Online
            nostrildamusN Online
            nostrildamus
            wrote on last edited by
            #453

            @Smudge said in Highlanders 2025:

            Even if they are "promised" a bench spot, that reeks of an employment dispute waiting to happen if his form dropped away badly but he still expected to be named.

            "You promised me a bench spot!"
            "Yeah, in the stadium, here's a free ticket."

            1 Reply Last reply
            1
            • SmudgeS Smudge

              Again, I'm sure literally no one is GUARANTEED a bench spot. No one would be told that (not even a surefire starter in the event their form fell off a cliff). That's the most unbelievable part of this all. Unless you're a moron, surely you realise that distinction?

              Even if they are "promised" a bench spot, that reeks of an employment dispute waiting to happen if his form dropped away badly but he still expected to be named.

              Canes4lifeC Online
              Canes4lifeC Online
              Canes4life
              wrote on last edited by
              #454

              @Smudge said in Highlanders 2025:

              Again, I'm sure literally no one is GUARANTEED a bench spot. No one would be told that (not even a surefire starter in the event their form fell off a cliff). That's the most unbelievable part of this all. Unless you're a moron, surely you realise that distinction?

              Even if they are "promised" a bench spot, that reeks of an employment dispute waiting to happen if his form dropped away badly but he still expected to be named.

              I agree, why would you promise an unproven Super player a bench spot, that’s just asking for trouble. He may look hot shit at NPC level but we all know the NPC is a few cogs down from Super these days.

              Unless he’s the Messi of Rugby and is bringing copious amounts of eyeballs or revenue to the Highlanders there really is no incentive for the Highlanders to offer Manson a bench spot (at the very least).

              If other players got wind of this the Highlanders will be spending more time dealing with player employment disputes than focusing on rugby next year.

              1 Reply Last reply
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              • KiwiwombleK Offline
                KiwiwombleK Offline
                Kiwiwomble
                wrote on last edited by
                #455

                ok, has anyone heard or know this has been a thing for any other super rugby team in the past?

                S HigginsH 2 Replies Last reply
                0
                • W Offline
                  W Offline
                  WoodysRFC
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #456

                  I do believe he has the tools to be successful at Super level, I expect him to be similar in style to Corey Toole.

                  1 Reply Last reply
                  1
                  • KiwiwombleK Kiwiwomble

                    ok, has anyone heard or know this has been a thing for any other super rugby team in the past?

                    S Offline
                    S Offline
                    SouthernMann
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #457

                    @Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:

                    ok, has anyone heard or know this has been a thing for any other super rugby team in the past?

                    Every player will get sold a pitch when signing into a team. JRK last year would have been told he is our starting fullback. The younger guys be told they are there to learn year 1 and then potentially be a regular after players X and Y leave. With the caveat they need to improve in certain areas. I'm sure Manson has been sold a pitch y the Highlanders. He will know he isn't the first pick. But will have been informed there will be gametime for him next year. Could easily be the case that him and Tangitau are the starting wingers in 26

                    KiwiwombleK 1 Reply Last reply
                    0
                    • S SouthernMann

                      @Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:

                      ok, has anyone heard or know this has been a thing for any other super rugby team in the past?

                      Every player will get sold a pitch when signing into a team. JRK last year would have been told he is our starting fullback. The younger guys be told they are there to learn year 1 and then potentially be a regular after players X and Y leave. With the caveat they need to improve in certain areas. I'm sure Manson has been sold a pitch y the Highlanders. He will know he isn't the first pick. But will have been informed there will be gametime for him next year. Could easily be the case that him and Tangitau are the starting wingers in 26

                      KiwiwombleK Offline
                      KiwiwombleK Offline
                      Kiwiwomble
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #458

                      @SouthernMann of course players will be sold a vison on where the coach sees them fitting in or working towards, i feel thats different to the "definitive bench spots" thats been talked about

                      S 1 Reply Last reply
                      0
                      • KiwiwombleK Kiwiwomble

                        @SouthernMann of course players will be sold a vison on where the coach sees them fitting in or working towards, i feel thats different to the "definitive bench spots" thats been talked about

                        S Offline
                        S Offline
                        SouthernMann
                        wrote on last edited by SouthernMann
                        #459

                        @Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:

                        @SouthernMann of course players will be sold a vison on where the coach sees them fitting in or working towards, i feel thats different to the "definitive bench spots" thats been talked about

                        The definitive bench spot just sounds like Chinese whispers. I've signed on to the Landers. Have been promised some time off the bench... turns into four chains down the line have you heard Mike is going going to be the bench outside back everyweek!

                        1 Reply Last reply
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                        • F Online
                          F Online
                          frugby
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #460
                          • Manson in on a One year Deal
                          • The new lock is a Polynesian from Japan
                          • Dylan Pledger is in for Nathan Hastie
                          S BovidaeB M K 4 Replies Last reply
                          7
                          • F frugby
                            • Manson in on a One year Deal
                            • The new lock is a Polynesian from Japan
                            • Dylan Pledger is in for Nathan Hastie
                            S Offline
                            S Offline
                            SouthernMann
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #461

                            @frugby said in Highlanders 2025:

                            • Manson in on a One year Deal
                            • The new lock is a Polynesian from Japan
                            • Dylan Pledger is in for Nathan Hastie

                            Is Hastie just being paid out?

                            F 1 Reply Last reply
                            0
                            • F frugby
                              • Manson in on a One year Deal
                              • The new lock is a Polynesian from Japan
                              • Dylan Pledger is in for Nathan Hastie
                              BovidaeB Offline
                              BovidaeB Offline
                              Bovidae
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #462

                              @frugby said in Highlanders 2025:

                              • The new lock is a Polynesian from Japan

                              That narrows down the choices!! 🤣

                              I assume not a current Japanese player?

                              A F 2 Replies Last reply
                              2
                              • BovidaeB Bovidae

                                @frugby said in Highlanders 2025:

                                • The new lock is a Polynesian from Japan

                                That narrows down the choices!! 🤣

                                I assume not a current Japanese player?

                                A Offline
                                A Offline
                                African Monkey
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #463

                                @Bovidae said in Highlanders 2025:

                                @frugby said in Highlanders 2025:

                                • The new lock is a Polynesian from Japan

                                That narrows down the choices!! 🤣

                                I assume not a current Japanese player?

                                Uwe Helu?

                                1 Reply Last reply
                                0
                                • S SouthernMann

                                  @frugby said in Highlanders 2025:

                                  • Manson in on a One year Deal
                                  • The new lock is a Polynesian from Japan
                                  • Dylan Pledger is in for Nathan Hastie

                                  Is Hastie just being paid out?

                                  F Online
                                  F Online
                                  frugby
                                  wrote on last edited by frugby
                                  #464

                                  @SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:

                                  @frugby said in Highlanders 2025:

                                  • Manson in on a One year Deal
                                  • The new lock is a Polynesian from Japan
                                  • Dylan Pledger is in for Nathan Hastie

                                  Is Hastie just being paid out?

                                  I don't know, but I am guessing so. Slight tweak from my source is that he is not 100% that it is Pledger, just know Hastie is gone, and Pledger is signed (so either from next year or 2026)...

                                  I wonder if the Highlanders said your in from 2025 as a sweetner to ensure he signed.

                                  1 Reply Last reply
                                  0
                                  • BovidaeB Bovidae

                                    @frugby said in Highlanders 2025:

                                    • The new lock is a Polynesian from Japan

                                    That narrows down the choices!! 🤣

                                    I assume not a current Japanese player?

                                    F Online
                                    F Online
                                    frugby
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #465

                                    @Bovidae said in Highlanders 2025:

                                    @frugby said in Highlanders 2025:

                                    • The new lock is a Polynesian from Japan

                                    That narrows down the choices!! 🤣

                                    I assume not a current Japanese player?

                                    I have literally no idea. I thought my likely a Kiwi of Polynesian/Maori heritage (Jackson Hemopo springs to mind) but nothing other than my thoughts on that.

                                    I guess it narrows it down in the sense it is not Plummer or Shalfoon.

                                    1 Reply Last reply
                                    1
                                    • KiwiwombleK Kiwiwomble

                                      ok, has anyone heard or know this has been a thing for any other super rugby team in the past?

                                      HigginsH Offline
                                      HigginsH Offline
                                      Higgins
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #466

                                      @Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:

                                      ok, has anyone heard or know this has been a thing for any other super rugby team in the past?

                                      James Blackwell?

                                      BonesB 1 Reply Last reply
                                      0
                                      • HigginsH Higgins

                                        @Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:

                                        ok, has anyone heard or know this has been a thing for any other super rugby team in the past?

                                        James Blackwell?

                                        BonesB Online
                                        BonesB Online
                                        Bones
                                        wrote on last edited by
                                        #467

                                        @Higgins do not besmirch captain Blackwell.

                                        1 Reply Last reply
                                        0
                                        • F frugby
                                          • Manson in on a One year Deal
                                          • The new lock is a Polynesian from Japan
                                          • Dylan Pledger is in for Nathan Hastie
                                          M Offline
                                          M Offline
                                          Mr Fish
                                          wrote on last edited by
                                          #468

                                          @frugby said in Highlanders 2025:

                                          • Manson in on a One year Deal
                                          • The new lock is a Polynesian from Japan
                                          • Dylan Pledger is in for Nathan Hastie

                                          Do we know who is guaranteed bench spots?

                                          1 Reply Last reply
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