Highlanders 2025
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@Bones said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
Just watching the Landers U20s from yesterday. I really like the look of Mika Muliaina. I reckon there are about six future Landers in that side.Can’t wait to see Mika, Pledger, Tengblad and Rangitutia running around in the highlanders jersey. Harvey as well could develop into a nice player. Some very talented players we need to make sure we hold on to.
As far as yesterday’s game, I posted that in the match thread. But just another thought, we need to win one of these games against the Brumbies or Force or else I fear the season could get away from us. With how many young guys we have in this team, it could result in heads dropping halfway through the season. Joseph will be well aware of the situation so let’s hope the players can bounce back.
@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@Bones said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
Just watching the Landers U20s from yesterday. I really like the look of Mika Muliaina. I reckon there are about six future Landers in that side.Can’t wait to see Mika, Pledger, Tengblad and Rangitutia running around in the highlanders jersey. Harvey as well could develop into a nice player. Some very talented players we need to make sure we hold on to.
As far as yesterday’s game, I posted that in the match thread. But just another thought, we need to win one of these games against the Brumbies or Force or else I fear the season could get away from us. With how many young guys we have in this team, it could result in heads dropping halfway through the season. Joseph will be well aware of the situation so let’s hope the players can bounce back.
Rangitutia will be interesting to track in the NPC. Should hopefully get a full season.
Otago will have a balancing act between Te Hiwi, TUJ, Whaanga, Nareki, Rangitutia, Gilbert and Hurley.
Shaun Kempton is a player that will be worth tracking. Probably needs to size up.
I reckon the guys to eventually end up with full contracts are one of the props, Kempton, Tengblad, Rutledge, Pledger, Muliaina, Harvey, and Rangitutia.
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
The much maligned Hurley. He made mistakes you'd expect of a guy who has played six games at this level. His limitations aren't catching or kicking. He had a couple of clangers with dropping a ball cold and kicking out on the full. Defensively he did some good things. He is still one of the most exciting attacking players in the comp.
Yes - but Finn Hurley is not on the same level as JRK. I rate him above Gilbert, because as you say he can do some great things - but his basic error rate remains too high. This was the point I made the other day, in a game where he doesn't score a try or set up a try, what else does he provide? This is a reality check, that he won't play as he did v the Blues every week.
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
The much maligned Hurley. He made mistakes you'd expect of a guy who has played six games at this level. His limitations aren't catching or kicking. He had a couple of clangers with dropping a ball cold and kicking out on the full. Defensively he did some good things. He is still one of the most exciting attacking players in the comp.
Yes - but Finn Hurley is not on the same level as JRK. I rate him above Gilbert, because as you say he can do some great things - but his basic error rate remains too high. This was the point I made the other day, in a game where he doesn't score a try or set up a try, what else does he provide? This is a reality check, that he won't play as he did v the Blues every week.
He is six games into his career. Basic mistakes are expected.
A weird sentence. "A game where he doesn't score or set up tries. What does he provide." Same could be said for most outside backs, in particular. I'm sure if we went back to JRK's first half dozen games he would have made mistakes too.
His season has matched his experience.
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@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
The much maligned Hurley. He made mistakes you'd expect of a guy who has played six games at this level. His limitations aren't catching or kicking. He had a couple of clangers with dropping a ball cold and kicking out on the full. Defensively he did some good things. He is still one of the most exciting attacking players in the comp.
Yes - but Finn Hurley is not on the same level as JRK. I rate him above Gilbert, because as you say he can do some great things - but his basic error rate remains too high. This was the point I made the other day, in a game where he doesn't score a try or set up a try, what else does he provide? This is a reality check, that he won't play as he did v the Blues every week.
He is six games into his career. Basic mistakes are expected.
A weird sentence. "A game where he doesn't score or set up tries. What does he provide." Same could be said for most outside backs, in particular. I'm sure if we went back to JRK's first half dozen games he would have made mistakes too.
His season has matched his experience.
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
The much maligned Hurley. He made mistakes you'd expect of a guy who has played six games at this level. His limitations aren't catching or kicking. He had a couple of clangers with dropping a ball cold and kicking out on the full. Defensively he did some good things. He is still one of the most exciting attacking players in the comp.
Yes - but Finn Hurley is not on the same level as JRK. I rate him above Gilbert, because as you say he can do some great things - but his basic error rate remains too high. This was the point I made the other day, in a game where he doesn't score a try or set up a try, what else does he provide? This is a reality check, that he won't play as he did v the Blues every week.
He is six games into his career. Basic mistakes are expected.
A weird sentence. "A game where he doesn't score or set up tries. What does he provide." Same could be said for most outside backs, in particular. I'm sure if we went back to JRK's first half dozen games he would have made mistakes too.
His season has matched his experience.
Come on man. Hurley does some good things, but he makes a lot of basic errors. That isn't an experience thing, it is a skill thing. JRK is just a much slicker player.
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
The much maligned Hurley. He made mistakes you'd expect of a guy who has played six games at this level. His limitations aren't catching or kicking. He had a couple of clangers with dropping a ball cold and kicking out on the full. Defensively he did some good things. He is still one of the most exciting attacking players in the comp.
Yes - but Finn Hurley is not on the same level as JRK. I rate him above Gilbert, because as you say he can do some great things - but his basic error rate remains too high. This was the point I made the other day, in a game where he doesn't score a try or set up a try, what else does he provide? This is a reality check, that he won't play as he did v the Blues every week.
He is six games into his career. Basic mistakes are expected.
A weird sentence. "A game where he doesn't score or set up tries. What does he provide." Same could be said for most outside backs, in particular. I'm sure if we went back to JRK's first half dozen games he would have made mistakes too.
His season has matched his experience.
Come on man. Hurley does some good things, but he makes a lot of basic errors. That isn't an experience thing, it is a skill thing. JRK is just a much slicker player.
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
The much maligned Hurley. He made mistakes you'd expect of a guy who has played six games at this level. His limitations aren't catching or kicking. He had a couple of clangers with dropping a ball cold and kicking out on the full. Defensively he did some good things. He is still one of the most exciting attacking players in the comp.
Yes - but Finn Hurley is not on the same level as JRK. I rate him above Gilbert, because as you say he can do some great things - but his basic error rate remains too high. This was the point I made the other day, in a game where he doesn't score a try or set up a try, what else does he provide? This is a reality check, that he won't play as he did v the Blues every week.
He is six games into his career. Basic mistakes are expected.
A weird sentence. "A game where he doesn't score or set up tries. What does he provide." Same could be said for most outside backs, in particular. I'm sure if we went back to JRK's first half dozen games he would have made mistakes too.
His season has matched his experience.
Come on man. Hurley does some good things, but he makes a lot of basic errors. That isn't an experience thing, it is a skill thing. JRK is just a much slicker player.
Whatever you say, buddy.
Ill stand by that inexperienced, young players make mistakes. What we have seen from Hurley matches the ups and downs of new players to the grade.
They are both good players. Both can offer the side a lot. The side needs both of them playing well.
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@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
The much maligned Hurley. He made mistakes you'd expect of a guy who has played six games at this level. His limitations aren't catching or kicking. He had a couple of clangers with dropping a ball cold and kicking out on the full. Defensively he did some good things. He is still one of the most exciting attacking players in the comp.
Yes - but Finn Hurley is not on the same level as JRK. I rate him above Gilbert, because as you say he can do some great things - but his basic error rate remains too high. This was the point I made the other day, in a game where he doesn't score a try or set up a try, what else does he provide? This is a reality check, that he won't play as he did v the Blues every week.
He is six games into his career. Basic mistakes are expected.
A weird sentence. "A game where he doesn't score or set up tries. What does he provide." Same could be said for most outside backs, in particular. I'm sure if we went back to JRK's first half dozen games he would have made mistakes too.
His season has matched his experience.
Come on man. Hurley does some good things, but he makes a lot of basic errors. That isn't an experience thing, it is a skill thing. JRK is just a much slicker player.
Whatever you say, buddy.
Ill stand by that inexperienced, young players make mistakes. What we have seen from Hurley matches the ups and downs of new players to the grade.
They are both good players. Both can offer the side a lot. The side needs both of them playing well.
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@SouthernMann I'd like to see more of Hurley, but those mistakes yesterday weren't your standard mistake. Many were howlers.
@Bones said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann I'd like to see more of Hurley, but those mistakes yesterday weren't your standard mistake. Many were howlers.
I completely agree. Dropping a ball a high school fullback should take is very poor. Same with kicking for touch and missing it. The number of mistakes he's making are coming down. Being at fullback his mistakes are highly visible too.
Salu Ma'u on the other hard. Jeez that was a sad watch.
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Is it confirmed that Renton is out for the whole season?
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Is it confirmed that Renton is out for the whole season?
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
Is it confirmed that Renton is out for the whole season?
First time I’ve heard that. Latest report was that he was 1/2 weeks away.
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@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@Bones said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
Just watching the Landers U20s from yesterday. I really like the look of Mika Muliaina. I reckon there are about six future Landers in that side.Can’t wait to see Mika, Pledger, Tengblad and Rangitutia running around in the highlanders jersey. Harvey as well could develop into a nice player. Some very talented players we need to make sure we hold on to.
As far as yesterday’s game, I posted that in the match thread. But just another thought, we need to win one of these games against the Brumbies or Force or else I fear the season could get away from us. With how many young guys we have in this team, it could result in heads dropping halfway through the season. Joseph will be well aware of the situation so let’s hope the players can bounce back.
Rangitutia will be interesting to track in the NPC. Should hopefully get a full season.
Otago will have a balancing act between Te Hiwi, TUJ, Whaanga, Nareki, Rangitutia, Gilbert and Hurley.
Shaun Kempton is a player that will be worth tracking. Probably needs to size up.
I reckon the guys to eventually end up with full contracts are one of the props, Kempton, Tengblad, Rutledge, Pledger, Muliaina, Harvey, and Rangitutia.
@SouthernMann Rutledge is pretty small yeah? I feel like we need some size on the next few Loose forwards we sign. I love him as a player but I'd like to see a big ball carrying number eight and a large seven picked up over Ratcliffe or Rutledge.
I've yet to see enough of Takaka to get a sense if he's the next cab off the rank. But young Jack Sexton could be a good shout. Wouldn't be surprised if we see someone outside the region get the next propping spot though.
I feel Tengblad and Pledger and lock ins for 2026 While Rangitura and Harvey are 50/50 maybe leaning towards 2027 singings. Kempton, Rutledge and Muliana presumably would be 2028 season.
In terms of guys outside the region assuming we loose DLB, Naeeta, Lowe, Nareki, Fakatava and Falefaga next season and pickup Pledger and Tengblad. Then I'd like to see Adam Lennox signed. Reckon I'd be wise to chase Zarn Sullivan for the 10 slot. Finley Brewis is off contract at the Crusaders, and could be chasing some game time at Loosehead prop. While I'd be trying to tempt Macca Springer south too given Reece, Fainganuku and Fihaki are all on the books for 2026 at the Crusaders.
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@SouthernMann Rutledge is pretty small yeah? I feel like we need some size on the next few Loose forwards we sign. I love him as a player but I'd like to see a big ball carrying number eight and a large seven picked up over Ratcliffe or Rutledge.
I've yet to see enough of Takaka to get a sense if he's the next cab off the rank. But young Jack Sexton could be a good shout. Wouldn't be surprised if we see someone outside the region get the next propping spot though.
I feel Tengblad and Pledger and lock ins for 2026 While Rangitura and Harvey are 50/50 maybe leaning towards 2027 singings. Kempton, Rutledge and Muliana presumably would be 2028 season.
In terms of guys outside the region assuming we loose DLB, Naeeta, Lowe, Nareki, Fakatava and Falefaga next season and pickup Pledger and Tengblad. Then I'd like to see Adam Lennox signed. Reckon I'd be wise to chase Zarn Sullivan for the 10 slot. Finley Brewis is off contract at the Crusaders, and could be chasing some game time at Loosehead prop. While I'd be trying to tempt Macca Springer south too given Reece, Fainganuku and Fihaki are all on the books for 2026 at the Crusaders.
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@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
Is it confirmed that Renton is out for the whole season?
First time I’ve heard that. Latest report was that he was 1/2 weeks away.
@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
Is it confirmed that Renton is out for the whole season?
First time I’ve heard that. Latest report was that he was 1/2 weeks away.
Heard he can hardly walk and it’s a lot more serious than initially thought. Best to wait for confirmation but don’t think it will be good
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@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
Is it confirmed that Renton is out for the whole season?
First time I’ve heard that. Latest report was that he was 1/2 weeks away.
Heard he can hardly walk and it’s a lot more serious than initially thought. Best to wait for confirmation but don’t think it will be good
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
Is it confirmed that Renton is out for the whole season?
First time I’ve heard that. Latest report was that he was 1/2 weeks away.
Heard he can hardly walk and it’s a lot more serious than initially thought. Best to wait for confirmation but don’t think it will be good
travelling with the team apparently so your source might have been looking at someone else?
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Injury update.
Oliver Haig (Foot / 2 weeks ),
Jonah Lowe (ACL / 1-2 weeks ),
Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (Neck / 2-3 weeks),
Folau Fakatava (Hamstring / 1-2 weeks),
Finn Hurley (Quad / TBC),
Nikora Broughton (Rib Injury / 1-2 weeks) Hugh Renton (Groin /1-2 weeks) -
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
Is it confirmed that Renton is out for the whole season?
First time I’ve heard that. Latest report was that he was 1/2 weeks away.
Heard he can hardly walk and it’s a lot more serious than initially thought. Best to wait for confirmation but don’t think it will be good
travelling with the team apparently so your source might have been looking at someone else?
@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
Is it confirmed that Renton is out for the whole season?
First time I’ve heard that. Latest report was that he was 1/2 weeks away.
Heard he can hardly walk and it’s a lot more serious than initially thought. Best to wait for confirmation but don’t think it will be good
travelling with the team apparently so your source might have been looking at someone else?
Yeah he has definitely travelled with the team. Guessing he’s a good chance to play next week, they wouldn’t waste a spot on someone who can’t play. Some interesting rumours being thrown around by a couple people here…
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@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
Is it confirmed that Renton is out for the whole season?
First time I’ve heard that. Latest report was that he was 1/2 weeks away.
Heard he can hardly walk and it’s a lot more serious than initially thought. Best to wait for confirmation but don’t think it will be good
travelling with the team apparently so your source might have been looking at someone else?
@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
Is it confirmed that Renton is out for the whole season?
First time I’ve heard that. Latest report was that he was 1/2 weeks away.
Heard he can hardly walk and it’s a lot more serious than initially thought. Best to wait for confirmation but don’t think it will be good
travelling with the team apparently so your source might have been looking at someone else?
I've also heard he has been really struggling with his body, but he has travelled - both can be true. May be a case of he has decided to just get on with the job.
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@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
Is it confirmed that Renton is out for the whole season?
First time I’ve heard that. Latest report was that he was 1/2 weeks away.
Heard he can hardly walk and it’s a lot more serious than initially thought. Best to wait for confirmation but don’t think it will be good
travelling with the team apparently so your source might have been looking at someone else?
I've also heard he has been really struggling with his body, but he has travelled - both can be true. May be a case of he has decided to just get on with the job.
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
Is it confirmed that Renton is out for the whole season?
First time I’ve heard that. Latest report was that he was 1/2 weeks away.
Heard he can hardly walk and it’s a lot more serious than initially thought. Best to wait for confirmation but don’t think it will be good
travelling with the team apparently so your source might have been looking at someone else?
I've also heard he has been really struggling with his body, but he has travelled - both can be true. May be a case of he has decided to just get on with the job.
come on being able to push through is very different to "hardly walk" and his season is over
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@Bovidae said in Highlanders 2025:
Have they named the extra players in the touring party?
No, but it will be Wingham, Taylor, Arscott + One other, which I don't imagine is Renton, so would assume Michaels.
Fakatava has been week to week since the Canes game, but if fit will likely fly over to Perth with EDG... JRK a smokey for that one, but more likely for the game after - Haig also set to be back for the Drua. Renton I'm assuming will also be back for the Force game, but maybe they just want his leadership.
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@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
Is it confirmed that Renton is out for the whole season?
First time I’ve heard that. Latest report was that he was 1/2 weeks away.
Heard he can hardly walk and it’s a lot more serious than initially thought. Best to wait for confirmation but don’t think it will be good
travelling with the team apparently so your source might have been looking at someone else?
I've also heard he has been really struggling with his body, but he has travelled - both can be true. May be a case of he has decided to just get on with the job.
come on being able to push through is very different to "hardly walk" and his season is over
@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
Is it confirmed that Renton is out for the whole season?
First time I’ve heard that. Latest report was that he was 1/2 weeks away.
Heard he can hardly walk and it’s a lot more serious than initially thought. Best to wait for confirmation but don’t think it will be good
travelling with the team apparently so your source might have been looking at someone else?
I've also heard he has been really struggling with his body, but he has travelled - both can be true. May be a case of he has decided to just get on with the job.
come on being able to push through is very different to "hardly walk"
What I heard, was he had a few niggles the week he got dropped... a few niggles then turned into him being in a moonboot at the start of the week of the Canes game. Having all sorts of issues, it isn't just the groin - as I say, he may just have travelled due to the leadership be can bring, because there are a few things going wrong.
I've no source on this, but you'd have to think de Groot has been dropped, because would seem bizarre to rest him in the circumstances.
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@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
Is it confirmed that Renton is out for the whole season?
First time I’ve heard that. Latest report was that he was 1/2 weeks away.
Heard he can hardly walk and it’s a lot more serious than initially thought. Best to wait for confirmation but don’t think it will be good
travelling with the team apparently so your source might have been looking at someone else?
I've also heard he has been really struggling with his body, but he has travelled - both can be true. May be a case of he has decided to just get on with the job.
come on being able to push through is very different to "hardly walk"
What I heard, was he had a few niggles the week he got dropped... a few niggles then turned into him being in a moonboot at the start of the week of the Canes game. Having all sorts of issues, it isn't just the groin - as I say, he may just have travelled due to the leadership be can bring, because there are a few things going wrong.
I've no source on this, but you'd have to think de Groot has been dropped, because would seem bizarre to rest him in the circumstances.
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:
@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2025:
@KiwiInLondon said in Highlanders 2025:
I've no source on this, but you'd have to think de Groot has been dropped, because would seem bizarre to rest him in the circumstances.
Not true in the slightest. Watch the latest Jamie Joseph interview regarding team naming, he explains it in that. He’s very careful with what he says but it’s fairly clear it’s load management and it seems it’s something he isn’t on board with but has to oblige.
