Highlanders 2025

frugby

@Tim said in Highlanders 2025:

What is Pledger's contract status? He looked a level up from most U20 players.

Signed (so I guess from 2026?)

KiwiInLondon

@upthelanders said in Highlanders 2025:

Backing id love to see (personal opinion)

Fakatava

Miller

Manson

Umaga-Jensen

Telea

Tavatavanawi

Robinson (while JRK out)

What’s the obsession with Manson? I mean he’s quick but that’s about it. Average defender, average under the highball. Not a complete winger

KiwiInLondon

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:

@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:

@SouthernMann I think I’ll go with the glass half empty approach this season. The years of optimism have caused too many issues with the blood pressure

I just pick a certain group of players, hope they go well. Hope we play a fun style to watch and that we don't get smoked. The team on the whole is better than last year. It'll just depend on JRK at the back,and whether he gets on the paddock. We get half a dozen injuries and we are wrecked

I’m hoping Jamie Joseph takes some of those players with potential and really improves them. That would be the biggest plus

SouthernMann

@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:

Pure speculation on this locking situation, wondering if Howden has been brought down with the specific intention of playing lock?

1.96m, so probably has the height (just)… when you consider him and Naeta were the last two signed, just seems the likely option.

That's where I'm landing. Almost playing a dual blindside, one lock tactic. One of Dunshea/Holland on the paddock at a time. I wouldn't be surprised if Joseph was behind the Fischli at lock tactic with Otago, to see how it worked. Basically running a pack of four loosies and one genuine, tighthead lock. The second named lock just plays a looseforward role.

SouthernMann

@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:

@upthelanders said in Highlanders 2025:

Backing id love to see (personal opinion)

Fakatava

Miller

Manson

Umaga-Jensen

Telea

Tavatavanawi

Robinson (while JRK out)

What’s the obsession with Manson? I mean he’s quick but that’s about it. Average defender, average under the highball. Not a complete winger

Nareki and Tavatavqnawai should still be the first string wingers. Tangitau next cab off the rank. Give Manson some time in pre-season to see if he can tackle and catch.

upthelanders

Nareki will start for sure. But he’ll be injured within the first 3 games and either Tangitau or Manson will take his spot for the season.

upthelanders

What’s the big problem with Nui Naeta? Is he not good or something? Or we just not giving him a chance to play some games?

Kiwiwomble

@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:

@upthelanders said in Highlanders 2025:

Backing id love to see (personal opinion)

Fakatava

Miller

Manson

Umaga-Jensen

Telea

Tavatavanawi

Robinson (while JRK out)

What’s the obsession with Manson? I mean he’s quick but that’s about it. Average defender, average under the highball. Not a complete winger

if he was a complete winger we probably wouldnt have him, thats the reality and always has been, we take people with some talent or potential and hope the lift

frugby

So landing on something like this to start the year:

de Groot
Bell/Taylor/Vikena (Purely going to be PS Form)
Ma'u
Dunshea
Holland
Haig
Withy
Broughton
Fakatava
Millar
Tangitau
Umaga-Jensen
Tele'a
Tavatavanawai
Robinson
Bell/Taylor/Vikena
Bartlett
Kautai
Howden
Renton
Lasaqa
Arscott
Gilbert

Fullback is just looking like a major issue, and I can't shake it. Hurley is way too raw to be relied upon as a fullback in SR at this stage. Robinson a safer pair of hands... I do wonder if they might consider Nareki at fullback, purely to get the best three outside backs on the field.

There is conflicting reports about JRK, some I have heard suggest as early as the start of March, others gone for the season. I suspect this is because there is a lot of hope and guessing, and we won't ultimately get a clearer picture until February, closer to any potential return date - it is that sort of injury. Whatever the case, there will be injury cover for him, and I am hoping like heck there is some unicorn player we pick up and get lucky with. I wouldn't rule out a potential move for Harkin, because they really are not having Faleafaga, and obviously Robinson has played more footy at 15 than anything.

Landers92

Just some wishful thinking on my end but can’t help but think of a few names that, in my opinion, we should be hoping to see training with the team in the widers/injury cover. A shame Ale Aho has moved on and signed with the Waratahs, seemed like an exciting young lock so that’s a real shame.

The below players are based off my knowledge, if you know any are signed or linked elsewhere don’t be afraid to enlighten us.

Hugo Plummer(Unsigned, was with us last season and was capable doing a job. Will only be 24 next season).
James Tucker(Unsigned, if unable to secure Plummer then you could be doing a lot worse than Tucker).
Blair Ryall(Unsigned, been around the Highlanders set up for a few years now. Always solid for Southland and a bit of an unsung hero when he plays).
Jone Rova and Isaac Hutchinson(I posted about them a few posts above, a position of need and good young depth is always good. If I had to guess, the Crusaders will do all they can to keep them in their wider group).
Harkin(Again, another player with talent who went un named but I’m picking we will hear soon he’s with the Canes as their third 10 with Cameron being out for the year).
Dylan Pledger(We know he’s in the set up, would just be nice to have word from the Highlanders about their plan for him. Signed from 2026 I believe. Arscott and Hastie have been around long enough now and both unable to even nail down a regular bench spot).
Benet Kumeroa(To my knowledge he can play both loosehead and tighthead, can never have too many props decent props in the environment as we found out last season.

Trying to think of players that would be realistic fits and that’s all I can really think of. If there’s anyone else I’ve missed out, feel free to drop them below.

Chris

@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:

Just some wishful thinking on my end but can’t help but think of a few names that, in my opinion, we should be hoping to see training with the team in the widers/injury cover. A shame Ale Aho has moved on and signed with the Waratahs, seemed like an exciting young lock so that’s a real shame.

The below players are based off my knowledge, if you know any are signed or linked elsewhere don’t be afraid to enlighten us.

Hugo Plummer(Unsigned, was with us last season and was capable doing a job. Will only be 24 next season).

James Tucker(Unsigned, if unable to secure Plummer then you could be doing a lot worse than Tucker).

Blair Ryall(Unsigned, been around the Highlanders set up for a few years now. Always solid for Southland and a bit of an unsung hero when he plays).

Jone Rova and Isaac Hutchinson(I posted about them a few posts above, a position of need and good young depth is always good. If I had to guess, the Crusaders will do all they can to keep them in their wider group).

Harkin(Again, another player with talent who went un named but I’m picking we will hear soon he’s with the Canes as their third 10 with Cameron being out for the year).

Dylan Pledger(We know he’s in the set up, would just be nice to have word from the Highlanders about their plan for him. Signed from 2026 I believe. Arscott and Hastie have been around long enough now and both unable to even nail down a regular bench spot).

Benet Kumeroa(To my knowledge he can play both loosehead and tighthead, can never have too many props decent props in the environment as we found out last season.

Trying to think of players that would be realistic fits and that’s all I can really think of. If there’s anyone else I’ve missed out, feel free to drop them below.

Jone Rove has according to chchfanatic who is normally spot onhas signed with Wellington for NPC and is trying his luck up there so maybe in the Canes WTG.

Canes4life

@Chris said in Highlanders 2025:

@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:

Just some wishful thinking on my end but can’t help but think of a few names that, in my opinion, we should be hoping to see training with the team in the widers/injury cover. A shame Ale Aho has moved on and signed with the Waratahs, seemed like an exciting young lock so that’s a real shame.

The below players are based off my knowledge, if you know any are signed or linked elsewhere don’t be afraid to enlighten us.

Hugo Plummer(Unsigned, was with us last season and was capable doing a job. Will only be 24 next season).

James Tucker(Unsigned, if unable to secure Plummer then you could be doing a lot worse than Tucker).

Blair Ryall(Unsigned, been around the Highlanders set up for a few years now. Always solid for Southland and a bit of an unsung hero when he plays).

Jone Rova and Isaac Hutchinson(I posted about them a few posts above, a position of need and good young depth is always good. If I had to guess, the Crusaders will do all they can to keep them in their wider group).

Harkin(Again, another player with talent who went un named but I’m picking we will hear soon he’s with the Canes as their third 10 with Cameron being out for the year).

Dylan Pledger(We know he’s in the set up, would just be nice to have word from the Highlanders about their plan for him. Signed from 2026 I believe. Arscott and Hastie have been around long enough now and both unable to even nail down a regular bench spot).

Benet Kumeroa(To my knowledge he can play both loosehead and tighthead, can never have too many props decent props in the environment as we found out last season.

Trying to think of players that would be realistic fits and that’s all I can really think of. If there’s anyone else I’ve missed out, feel free to drop them below.

Jone Rove has according to chchfanatic who is normally spot onhas signed with Wellington for NPC and is trying his luck up there so maybe in the Canes WTG.

Wow that's interesting.

Bovidae

@Landers92

Kumeroa was with the Hurricanes this year, and they will be missing two TH props on AB rest.

SouthernMann

An interesting post on X from the New Orleans Gold. It states Taniela Filimone will be joining the Landers instead of returning to MLR. Not a named player. Must be in as long-term injury cover. Another winger.

KiwiInLondon

@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:

So landing on something like this to start the year:

de Groot

Bell/Taylor/Vikena (Purely going to be PS Form)

Ma'u

Dunshea

Holland

Haig

Withy

Broughton

Fakatava

Millar

Tangitau

Umaga-Jensen

Tele'a

Tavatavanawai

Robinson

Bell/Taylor/Vikena

Bartlett

Kautai

Howden

Renton

Lasaqa

Arscott

Gilbert

Fullback is just looking like a major issue, and I can't shake it. Hurley is way too raw to be relied upon as a fullback in SR at this stage. Robinson a safer pair of hands... I do wonder if they might consider Nareki at fullback, purely to get the best three outside backs on the field.

There is conflicting reports about JRK, some I have heard suggest as early as the start of March, others gone for the season. I suspect this is because there is a lot of hope and guessing, and we won't ultimately get a clearer picture until February, closer to any potential return date - it is that sort of injury. Whatever the case, there will be injury cover for him, and I am hoping like heck there is some unicorn player we pick up and get lucky with. I wouldn't rule out a potential move for Harkin, because they really are not having Faleafaga, and obviously Robinson has played more footy at 15 than anything.

Renton over Broughton if he’s fit.
Gilbert over Robinson. I know Gilbert can be an arse but his size at the back would be preferable.

Ideally the team finds itself in a position where they’re winning games they should and they can give guys like Hurley at shot at fullback against the likes of MP and the Force

Landers92

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:

An interesting post on X from the New Orleans Gold. It states Taniela Filimone will be joining the Landers instead of returning to MLR. Not a named player. Must be in as long-term injury cover. Another winger.

That is interesting and quite a weird one.

25 years old and has bounced between Manawatu and the New England Free Jacks for 4 years to go along with 2 caps for Tonga. He has also spent time training with the Chiefs back in 2022 as a replacement player.

Big winger who can play both wings and cover centre at a pinch. Not expecting him to get much/any game time but this could be a sign outside backs have been snapped up and are forced to search far and wide for capable injury cover/wtg players.

Bovidae

I've just watched this. Joseph answers a few questions about who the other locks could be. JRK out for at least 6 months.

SouthernMann

@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:

@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:

So landing on something like this to start the year:

de Groot

Bell/Taylor/Vikena (Purely going to be PS Form)

Ma'u

Dunshea

Holland

Haig

Withy

Broughton

Fakatava

Millar

Tangitau

Umaga-Jensen

Tele'a

Tavatavanawai

Robinson

Bell/Taylor/Vikena

Bartlett

Kautai

Howden

Renton

Lasaqa

Arscott

Gilbert

Fullback is just looking like a major issue, and I can't shake it. Hurley is way too raw to be relied upon as a fullback in SR at this stage. Robinson a safer pair of hands... I do wonder if they might consider Nareki at fullback, purely to get the best three outside backs on the field.

There is conflicting reports about JRK, some I have heard suggest as early as the start of March, others gone for the season. I suspect this is because there is a lot of hope and guessing, and we won't ultimately get a clearer picture until February, closer to any potential return date - it is that sort of injury. Whatever the case, there will be injury cover for him, and I am hoping like heck there is some unicorn player we pick up and get lucky with. I wouldn't rule out a potential move for Harkin, because they really are not having Faleafaga, and obviously Robinson has played more footy at 15 than anything.

Renton over Broughton if he’s fit.
Gilbert over Robinson. I know Gilbert can be an arse but his size at the back would be preferable.

Ideally the team finds itself in a position where they’re winning games they should and they can give guys like Hurley at shot at fullback against the likes of MP and the Force

I'd go: 1. de Groot 2. Taylor 3. Ma'u 4. Dunshea 5. Holland 6. Haig 7. Withy 8. Broughton 9. Fakatava 10. Millar 11. Nareki 12. Gilbert 13. Tele'a/TUJ 14. Tavatavanawai 15. Hurley 16. Vikena 17. Bartlett 18 Kautai 19. Howden/Stodart 20 Lasaqa 21 Arscott/Hastie 22 Robinson 23 Tele'a/TUJ/Manson/Tangitau. With the likes of Hurley/Broughton v Gilbert/Renton. I think it is best to pick players who can win you games instead of lose by fewer. Gilbert isn't going to win any prizes from fullback. Hurley might. Broughton is more likely to create something out of nothing than Renton. As much as I don't like Gilbert, in any position, for the balance of the squad he is better in the midfield than two very similar players in TUJ and Tele'a.

KiwiInLondon

@SouthernMann hard to disagree with that. It would be nice to see the team coached by a decent coach as well.

SouthernMann

@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:

@SouthernMann hard to disagree with that. It would be nice to see the team coached by a decent coach as well.

With the pack, it is worthwhile asking who our genuine ball carriers are. You'd probably want to have at least three or four on the field at any one time. The guys who can bend the line are Vikena, Holland, Howden, the big lad from the Brumbies, Lasaqa (running wide), Haig if he is used in the right way and Broughton. De Groot is good for a run or two, Ma'u is good in close and Jack Taylor will beat guys on the outside. The first group though, can get the team on the front foot. Lads like Dunshea, Withy, Renton amongst others are less likely to make yards but are great glue players. I think there is a possibility of seeing Holland and Dunshea replace eachother in games. With a Howden, Haig, Stodart or Naeata starting alongside one of them. Running four loosies. JJ in the presser talked about being used to playing 6'1 locks in Japan. He doesn't care for having two traditional locks. He is after mobility and impact.

The Silver Fern

Highlanders 2025