Highlanders 2026
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Why only 3 locks? Then you end up in the same situation as this year if injuries/fatigue strike. Six props is more common too, especially if JJ doesn't rotate.
@Bovidae said in Highlanders 2026:
Why only 3 locks? Then you end up in the same situation as this year if injuries/fatigue strike. Six props is more common too, especially if JJ doesn't rotate.
Three locks plus Sotddart and Haig. Both big enough to play lock. I'd except Cribb comes back.
Jeez I'd be miffed with all the decent hookers floating around if we keep Henry Bell
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I'd tried to put all the rumours into a single squad. Obviously 42 doesn't go into 38. So roughly speaking here's what I'd expect.
- Ethan De Groot
- Jack Sexton (assumed - otherwise a loosehead.)
- Josh Bartlett
- Saula Ma’au
- Sefo Kautai
- Rohan Wingham (If Dropped potentially opens room for an extra winger / midfielder / Overseas 10 option).
- (Yet unkown Tighthead)
- Jack Taylor
- Soanne Vienna
- Henry Bell
- Fabian Holland
- Mitchell Dunshea
- Josh Tengblad
- Will Stodart
- TK Howden
- Oli Haig
- Sean Withy
- Hayden Michaels / Fita Sia / Tai Cribb
- Vevni Lasagna
- Hugh Renton
- Nikora Broughton (Enough rumours about us targeting an eight that it could mean Broughton dosn't return).
- Folau Fakatava
- Adam Lennox
- Dylan Pledger
- Cam Millar
- Josh Jacomb
- Taine Robinson
- Meihana Grindlay
- Tanelea Telea
- Jake Te Hiwi
- Timcoi T
- Josh Whaanga
- Jacob Kneepkins
- Finn Hurley
- Caleb Tangitau
- Jona Nareki
- Jonah Lowe / Thomas Umunga Jensen / Poentially another outside back.
- Stanley Solomone
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The chat seems to have firmly switched to 2026, so figured the new thread was in order. Below is the contract status of the current squad:
Props:
Ethan de Groot (2027)
Daniel Lienert-Brown (Off-contract)
Josh Bartlett (2026?)
Saula Ma’u (2026?)
Sefo Kautai (2026?)
Rohan Wingham (2026?)Hookers:
Jack Taylor (2026)
Soane Vikena (2026)
Henry Bell (Off-contract - am hearing he has had his contract extended for 2026)Locks:
Fabian Holland (2028)
Mitch Dunshea (Off-contract - rumour is he is staying)
Tai Cribb (Injury Cover)Loose Forwards:
Oliver Haig (2026)
TK Howden (2026)
Lui Naeta (GONE)
Sean Withy (2027?)
Veveni Lasaqa (2026)
Hayden Michaels (2026)
Michael Loft (Injury Cover)
Tom Sanders (GONE)
Hugh Renton (2026)
Will Stodart (2026)
Nikora Broughton (Off-contract?)Halfbacks:
Folau Fakatava (2027)
Nathan Hastie (2026 - LEAVING)
James Arscott (GONE)
Adam Lennox (Injury Cover - SIGNED)First Fives:
Taine Robinson (2026?)
Cam Millar (2026)
Ajay Faleafaga (JAPAN)Midfielders:
Timoci Tavatavanawai (2027)
Tanielu Tele’a (2026?)
Thomas Umaga-Jensen (2025/26?)
Jake Te Hiwi (2026)
Josh Whaanga (2027)Outside Backs:
Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (2028)
Sam Gilbert (CONNACHT)
Finn Hurley (2026)
Jona Nareki (Off-contract)
Caleb Tangitau (2028)
Jonah Lowe (Off-contract)
Michael Manson (Off-contract)
Taniela Filimone (Injury Cover)@frugby said in Highlanders 2026:
The chat seems to have firmly switched to 2026, so figured the new thread was in order. Below is the contract status of the current squad:
Props:
Ethan de Groot (2027)
Daniel Lienert-Brown (Off-contract)
Josh Bartlett (2026?)
Saula Ma’u (2026?)
Sefo Kautai (2026?)
Rohan Wingham (2026?)Hookers:
Jack Taylor (2026)
Soane Vikena (2026)
Henry Bell (Off-contract - am hearing he has had his contract extended for 2026)Locks:
Fabian Holland (2028)
Mitch Dunshea (Off-contract - rumour is he is staying)
Tai Cribb (Injury Cover)Loose Forwards:
Oliver Haig (2026)
TK Howden (2026)
Lui Naeta (GONE)
Sean Withy (2027?)
Veveni Lasaqa (2026)
Hayden Michaels (2026)
Michael Loft (Injury Cover)
Tom Sanders (GONE)
Hugh Renton (2026)
Will Stodart (2026)
Nikora Broughton (Off-contract?)Halfbacks:
Folau Fakatava (2027)
Nathan Hastie (2026 - LEAVING)
James Arscott (GONE)
Adam Lennox (Injury Cover - SIGNED)First Fives:
Taine Robinson (2026?)
Cam Millar (2026)
Ajay Faleafaga (JAPAN)Midfielders:
Timoci Tavatavanawai (2027)
Tanielu Tele’a (2026?)
Thomas Umaga-Jensen (2025/26?)
Jake Te Hiwi (2026)
Josh Whaanga (2027)Outside Backs:
Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (2028)
Sam Gilbert (CONNACHT)
Finn Hurley (2026)
Jona Nareki (Off-contract)
Caleb Tangitau (2028)
Jonah Lowe (Off-contract)
Michael Manson (Off-contract)
Taniela Filimone (Injury Cover)I’m really interested to see how this Hastie situation turns out as you’re adamant he is leaving. I hope it isn’t the case. That would mean we are cutting both Hasties and Michael’s contracts short if we believe what’s all been said on here.
On Taine Robinson, I can tell you he is signed through 2026.
I’m sure someone in here mentioned that Nareki was in discussions to extend his stay with the Highlanders. Someone also said TUJ was signed for 2026, will see if I can find who said that.
Also, you say Tengland wasn’t wanted by Otago. How are you so sure it wasn’t just a case of a young guy wanting to spend half the year back home and play for his province then head back to Dunedin during super season and link up with the Highlanders? I’m willing to bet Otago definitely wanted him.
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@Landers92 just for clarity I’m quite confident I recall a conversation about TUJ having another year on his contract.
Only concern I have as that if the Grindlay news is true we seem stacked with midfielders and it’s hard to make sense of having six on the books even if a few technically cover wing. So it feels like someone must be leaving. Just hard to know who.
I’m much less confident about Manson. I seem to recall a two year contract being mentioned by someone on here when he signed. But that’s not a 100% guarantee they were right. So put an asterisk next to that. Given how cold JJ is on him I wouldn’t be betting we’ll see him back.
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@frugby said in Highlanders 2026:
The chat seems to have firmly switched to 2026, so figured the new thread was in order. Below is the contract status of the current squad:
Props:
Ethan de Groot (2027)
Daniel Lienert-Brown (Off-contract)
Josh Bartlett (2026?)
Saula Ma’u (2026?)
Sefo Kautai (2026?)
Rohan Wingham (2026?)Hookers:
Jack Taylor (2026)
Soane Vikena (2026)
Henry Bell (Off-contract - am hearing he has had his contract extended for 2026)Locks:
Fabian Holland (2028)
Mitch Dunshea (Off-contract - rumour is he is staying)
Tai Cribb (Injury Cover)Loose Forwards:
Oliver Haig (2026)
TK Howden (2026)
Lui Naeta (GONE)
Sean Withy (2027?)
Veveni Lasaqa (2026)
Hayden Michaels (2026)
Michael Loft (Injury Cover)
Tom Sanders (GONE)
Hugh Renton (2026)
Will Stodart (2026)
Nikora Broughton (Off-contract?)Halfbacks:
Folau Fakatava (2027)
Nathan Hastie (2026 - LEAVING)
James Arscott (GONE)
Adam Lennox (Injury Cover - SIGNED)First Fives:
Taine Robinson (2026?)
Cam Millar (2026)
Ajay Faleafaga (JAPAN)Midfielders:
Timoci Tavatavanawai (2027)
Tanielu Tele’a (2026?)
Thomas Umaga-Jensen (2025/26?)
Jake Te Hiwi (2026)
Josh Whaanga (2027)Outside Backs:
Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (2028)
Sam Gilbert (CONNACHT)
Finn Hurley (2026)
Jona Nareki (Off-contract)
Caleb Tangitau (2028)
Jonah Lowe (Off-contract)
Michael Manson (Off-contract)
Taniela Filimone (Injury Cover)I’m really interested to see how this Hastie situation turns out as you’re adamant he is leaving. I hope it isn’t the case. That would mean we are cutting both Hasties and Michael’s contracts short if we believe what’s all been said on here.
On Taine Robinson, I can tell you he is signed through 2026.
I’m sure someone in here mentioned that Nareki was in discussions to extend his stay with the Highlanders. Someone also said TUJ was signed for 2026, will see if I can find who said that.
Also, you say Tengland wasn’t wanted by Otago. How are you so sure it wasn’t just a case of a young guy wanting to spend half the year back home and play for his province then head back to Dunedin during super season and link up with the Highlanders? I’m willing to bet Otago definitely wanted him.
@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2026:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2026:
The chat seems to have firmly switched to 2026, so figured the new thread was in order. Below is the contract status of the current squad:
Props:
Ethan de Groot (2027)
Daniel Lienert-Brown (Off-contract)
Josh Bartlett (2026?)
Saula Ma’u (2026?)
Sefo Kautai (2026?)
Rohan Wingham (2026?)Hookers:
Jack Taylor (2026)
Soane Vikena (2026)
Henry Bell (Off-contract - am hearing he has had his contract extended for 2026)Locks:
Fabian Holland (2028)
Mitch Dunshea (Off-contract - rumour is he is staying)
Tai Cribb (Injury Cover)Loose Forwards:
Oliver Haig (2026)
TK Howden (2026)
Lui Naeta (GONE)
Sean Withy (2027?)
Veveni Lasaqa (2026)
Hayden Michaels (2026)
Michael Loft (Injury Cover)
Tom Sanders (GONE)
Hugh Renton (2026)
Will Stodart (2026)
Nikora Broughton (Off-contract?)Halfbacks:
Folau Fakatava (2027)
Nathan Hastie (2026 - LEAVING)
James Arscott (GONE)
Adam Lennox (Injury Cover - SIGNED)First Fives:
Taine Robinson (2026?)
Cam Millar (2026)
Ajay Faleafaga (JAPAN)Midfielders:
Timoci Tavatavanawai (2027)
Tanielu Tele’a (2026?)
Thomas Umaga-Jensen (2025/26?)
Jake Te Hiwi (2026)
Josh Whaanga (2027)Outside Backs:
Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (2028)
Sam Gilbert (CONNACHT)
Finn Hurley (2026)
Jona Nareki (Off-contract)
Caleb Tangitau (2028)
Jonah Lowe (Off-contract)
Michael Manson (Off-contract)
Taniela Filimone (Injury Cover)I’m really interested to see how this Hastie situation turns out as you’re adamant he is leaving. I hope it isn’t the case. That would mean we are cutting both Hasties and Michael’s contracts short if we believe what’s all been said on here.
Nothing to suggest we are cutting Michaels short. I have heard nothing of the sort, more just thought it was a possibility
On Taine Robinson, I can tell you he is signed through 2026.
Awesome
Also, you say Tengland wasn’t wanted by Otago. How are you so sure it wasn’t just a case of a young guy wanting to spend half the year back home and play for his province then head back to Dunedin during super season and link up with the Highlanders? I’m willing to bet Otago definitely wanted him.
I got told Jamie told Otago to sign him, Otago fumbled around and then Auckland pounced. This is the same organisation who chose Arscott over Hotham…
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Where has the Meihana Grindlay rumour come from? I don't remember seeing that original posted, just speculation based on the fact he didn't play for the Blues.
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@Bovidae said in Highlanders 2026:
Why only 3 locks? Then you end up in the same situation as this year if injuries/fatigue strike. Six props is more common too, especially if JJ doesn't rotate.
Three locks plus Sotddart and Haig. Both big enough to play lock. I'd except Cribb comes back.
Jeez I'd be miffed with all the decent hookers floating around if we keep Henry Bell
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2026:
@Bovidae said in Highlanders 2026:
Why only 3 locks? Then you end up in the same situation as this year if injuries/fatigue strike. Six props is more common too, especially if JJ doesn't rotate.
Three locks plus Sotddart and Haig. Both big enough to play lock. I'd except Cribb comes back.
I’d be stunned if Tai Cribb came back.
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Why only 3 locks? Then you end up in the same situation as this year if injuries/fatigue strike. Six props is more common too, especially if JJ doesn't rotate.
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Hearing Kini Naholo has been offered a contract for next season
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Hearing Nareki has signed another 2 , and Kini Naholo has been offered a deal for next season
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Hearing Nareki has signed another 2 , and Kini Naholo has been offered a deal for next season
@CtownCowboy said in Highlanders 2026:
Hearing Nareki has signed another 2 , and Kini Naholo has been offered a deal for next season
Wouldn’t be surprised as the Canes would have known he was leaving so maybe they’ve signed another winger already and then once Naholo got injured there was no contract to offer.
Jeez, imagine a back three of Naholo, Tangitau and JRK. That will be electric under the roof.
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Hearing Nareki has signed another 2 , and Kini Naholo has been offered a deal for next season
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Hearing Kini Naholo has been offered a contract for next season
@CtownCowboy Kin-ihi-naholo..Kin-ihi-naholo,Kin-ihi-naholo
Yeah that ought a work
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@CtownCowboy Interesting. Guess the Landers are taking a punt on him where the Canes don't want to... would leave us with a lot of depth in the outsides.
@frugby said in Highlanders 2026:
@CtownCowboy Interesting. Guess the Landers are taking a punt on him where the Canes don't want to... would leave us with a lot of depth in the outsides.
Aye? It’s not a case of the Canes not wanting to take a punt. If he’s signed with the Highlanders it will be because the Canes don’t have any room. If the Canes had room they would have definitely snapped him up knowing what he offers on that left edge.
He’ll be lining up a contract in Japan so this will likely be a one year gig before he heads off.
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That's a nice landing spot for Naholo as he will have signed off with the Canes and was left holding the bag after his injury.
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@frugby said in Highlanders 2026:
@CtownCowboy Interesting. Guess the Landers are taking a punt on him where the Canes don't want to... would leave us with a lot of depth in the outsides.
Aye? It’s not a case of the Canes not wanting to take a punt. If he’s signed with the Highlanders it will be because the Canes don’t have any room. If the Canes had room they would have definitely snapped him up knowing what he offers on that left edge.
He’ll be lining up a contract in Japan so this will likely be a one year gig before he heads off.
@Canes4life hook, line and sinker
I'm sure he would love to have the keys to a backline that has Kini & JRK among others