Highlanders 2025

[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.

[nostrildamus]

@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."

[Canes4life]

@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.

[Kiwiwomble]

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

[WoodysRFC]

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

[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

[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

[SouthernMann]

@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!

[frugby]

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

[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?

[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?

[African Monkey]

@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?

[frugby]

@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.

[frugby]

@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.

[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?

[Bones]

@Higgins do not besmirch captain Blackwell.

[Mr Fish]

@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?

[KiwiInLondon]

@upthelanders I am convinced you’re his mother.

[Kiwidom]

@frugby Possibly Lui Naeata, but he's more of a blindside

[upthelanders]

Can confirm Lui Naeata has signed with the Landers.