Highlanders 2026
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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
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Any team signing Naholo will be taking a massive risk. ACL is a 9-12 month injury. Meaning he will be available sometime between week one and week 12. Any team picking him up is rolling the dice on him coming back early, and hitting the ground running. No guarantee he will be the player who was tearing it up before injury.
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Hearing Kini Naholo has been offered a contract for next season
@CtownCowboy isn’t he injured at the moment? Hope he’s back in time
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Any team signing Naholo will be taking a massive risk. ACL is a 9-12 month injury. Meaning he will be available sometime between week one and week 12. Any team picking him up is rolling the dice on him coming back early, and hitting the ground running. No guarantee he will be the player who was tearing it up before injury.
Well true, but should be worth the risk. If he is fit by midway through the comp, you replace an inevitable injury with a potentially game changing player.
Plus Waisaki is probably getting the witch doctor on him anyway. He might be fit next week
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@SouthernMann my record on contracting isn't amazing. But my memory was that conversation on here last summer was that TUJ had signed on for 2025 and 2026.
Though that said if we've picked up Meihana Grindlay then that gives us a very stacked midfield and leaves us a bit thin on outside backs. We've got Big Jim, TUJ, Grindlay, Telea, Te Hiwi and Whaanga covering midfield plus Lowe (who played thirteen for a couple of games off the bench last season).
With Hervey in the wider training group it's hard not to feel we must be losing a midfielder somewhere if we've signed Grindlay.
@handa457 said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann my record on contracting isn't amazing. But my memory was that conversation on here last summer was that TUJ had signed on for 2025 and 2026.
Though that said if we've picked up Meihana Grindlay then that gives us a very stacked midfield and leaves us a bit thin on outside backs. We've got Big Jim, TUJ, Grindlay, Telea, Te Hiwi and Whaanga covering midfield plus Lowe (who played thirteen for a couple of games off the bench last season).
With Hervey in the wider training group it's hard not to feel we must be losing a midfielder somewhere if we've signed Grindlay.
long 7 days but im back
simple as Big Jim goes back to the wing? he's be huge at 12 but we saw he went back to wing when needed this year?
any of you closer to the landers know, was it his preference to move to 12 or did the team move him because we needed someone?
really would like to see Tele'a resign and even TUJ still looks so good on attack when he plays
I for one kind of liked what little we saw of mason, lots of work ons but you cant teach out and out pace
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@handa457 said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann my record on contracting isn't amazing. But my memory was that conversation on here last summer was that TUJ had signed on for 2025 and 2026.
Though that said if we've picked up Meihana Grindlay then that gives us a very stacked midfield and leaves us a bit thin on outside backs. We've got Big Jim, TUJ, Grindlay, Telea, Te Hiwi and Whaanga covering midfield plus Lowe (who played thirteen for a couple of games off the bench last season).
With Hervey in the wider training group it's hard not to feel we must be losing a midfielder somewhere if we've signed Grindlay.
long 7 days but im back
simple as Big Jim goes back to the wing? he's be huge at 12 but we saw he went back to wing when needed this year?
any of you closer to the landers know, was it his preference to move to 12 or did the team move him because we needed someone?
really would like to see Tele'a resign and even TUJ still looks so good on attack when he plays
I for one kind of liked what little we saw of mason, lots of work ons but you cant teach out and out pace
@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:
@handa457 said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann my record on contracting isn't amazing. But my memory was that conversation on here last summer was that TUJ had signed on for 2025 and 2026.
Though that said if we've picked up Meihana Grindlay then that gives us a very stacked midfield and leaves us a bit thin on outside backs. We've got Big Jim, TUJ, Grindlay, Telea, Te Hiwi and Whaanga covering midfield plus Lowe (who played thirteen for a couple of games off the bench last season).
With Hervey in the wider training group it's hard not to feel we must be losing a midfielder somewhere if we've signed Grindlay.
long 7 days but im back
simple as Big Jim goes back to the wing? he's be huge at 12 but we saw he went back to wing when needed this year?
any of you closer to the landers know, was it his preference to move to 12 or did the team move him because we needed someone?
really would like to see Tele'a resign and even TUJ still looks so good on attack when he plays
I for one kind of liked what little we saw of mason, lots of work ons but you cant teach out and out pace
I think Jim is a 12 now. Will be interesting to see where he plays for Ta$man in the NPC. Does he have the out and out pace still to play on the wing? Keeping him as a winger also limits his ability to influence games defensively.
Manson is a guy I want to see persevered with. Him and Caleb must be two of the fastest guys in the comp. You can fix defensive issues. It just takes time.
The way the side will be successful is to find the players who can do things others can't, and worth on fixing the flaws that are generally basic. Instead of picking the guys who will.alwsys do the basics well, but have no X factor.
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@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:
@handa457 said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann my record on contracting isn't amazing. But my memory was that conversation on here last summer was that TUJ had signed on for 2025 and 2026.
Though that said if we've picked up Meihana Grindlay then that gives us a very stacked midfield and leaves us a bit thin on outside backs. We've got Big Jim, TUJ, Grindlay, Telea, Te Hiwi and Whaanga covering midfield plus Lowe (who played thirteen for a couple of games off the bench last season).
With Hervey in the wider training group it's hard not to feel we must be losing a midfielder somewhere if we've signed Grindlay.
long 7 days but im back
simple as Big Jim goes back to the wing? he's be huge at 12 but we saw he went back to wing when needed this year?
any of you closer to the landers know, was it his preference to move to 12 or did the team move him because we needed someone?
really would like to see Tele'a resign and even TUJ still looks so good on attack when he plays
I for one kind of liked what little we saw of mason, lots of work ons but you cant teach out and out pace
I think Jim is a 12 now. Will be interesting to see where he plays for Ta$man in the NPC. Does he have the out and out pace still to play on the wing? Keeping him as a winger also limits his ability to influence games defensively.
Manson is a guy I want to see persevered with. Him and Caleb must be two of the fastest guys in the comp. You can fix defensive issues. It just takes time.
The way the side will be successful is to find the players who can do things others can't, and worth on fixing the flaws that are generally basic. Instead of picking the guys who will.alwsys do the basics well, but have no X factor.
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:
@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:
@handa457 said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann my record on contracting isn't amazing. But my memory was that conversation on here last summer was that TUJ had signed on for 2025 and 2026.
Though that said if we've picked up Meihana Grindlay then that gives us a very stacked midfield and leaves us a bit thin on outside backs. We've got Big Jim, TUJ, Grindlay, Telea, Te Hiwi and Whaanga covering midfield plus Lowe (who played thirteen for a couple of games off the bench last season).
With Hervey in the wider training group it's hard not to feel we must be losing a midfielder somewhere if we've signed Grindlay.
long 7 days but im back
simple as Big Jim goes back to the wing? he's be huge at 12 but we saw he went back to wing when needed this year?
any of you closer to the landers know, was it his preference to move to 12 or did the team move him because we needed someone?
really would like to see Tele'a resign and even TUJ still looks so good on attack when he plays
I for one kind of liked what little we saw of mason, lots of work ons but you cant teach out and out pace
I think Jim is a 12 now. Will be interesting to see where he plays for Ta$man in the NPC. Does he have the out and out pace still to play on the wing? Keeping him as a winger also limits his ability to influence games defensively.
thats fair
i think defence is a huge issue to sort, as impressive as flashy tries are...you can win games with one droppie or penalty goal....you can't win if youre letting in tries
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That'd be a bit of a shock. Would mean he would finish his NZ career playing for four of NZ's five sides. Family could be a reason for a short stint with us. Waisake and his family are Dunedin based.
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2026:
That'd be a bit of a shock. Would mean he would finish his NZ career playing for four of NZ's five sides. Family could be a reason for a short stint with us. Waisake and his family are Dunedin based.
i had forgotten he'd played for the chiefs and saders (briefly)
im i wrong in thinking we tried to get him down before he went to the canes? might have just been rumor/wishful thinking
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@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2025:
@handa457 said in Highlanders 2025:
@SouthernMann my record on contracting isn't amazing. But my memory was that conversation on here last summer was that TUJ had signed on for 2025 and 2026.
Though that said if we've picked up Meihana Grindlay then that gives us a very stacked midfield and leaves us a bit thin on outside backs. We've got Big Jim, TUJ, Grindlay, Telea, Te Hiwi and Whaanga covering midfield plus Lowe (who played thirteen for a couple of games off the bench last season).
With Hervey in the wider training group it's hard not to feel we must be losing a midfielder somewhere if we've signed Grindlay.
long 7 days but im back
simple as Big Jim goes back to the wing? he's be huge at 12 but we saw he went back to wing when needed this year?
any of you closer to the landers know, was it his preference to move to 12 or did the team move him because we needed someone?
really would like to see Tele'a resign and even TUJ still looks so good on attack when he plays
I for one kind of liked what little we saw of mason, lots of work ons but you cant teach out and out pace
I think Jim is a 12 now. Will be interesting to see where he plays for Ta$man in the NPC. Does he have the out and out pace still to play on the wing? Keeping him as a winger also limits his ability to influence games defensively.
Manson is a guy I want to see persevered with. Him and Caleb must be two of the fastest guys in the comp. You can fix defensive issues. It just takes time.
The way the side will be successful is to find the players who can do things others can't, and worth on fixing the flaws that are generally basic. Instead of picking the guys who will.alwsys do the basics well, but have no X factor.
@SouthernMann do we know for sure he's heading back to Ta$man? He's was helping out with Southern Magpies last night. Ta$man social media the other week made a post about Shalfoon re-signing but nothing about Jim. maybe this is just all wishful thinking on this Otagos fan part
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@SouthernMann do we know for sure he's heading back to Ta$man? He's was helping out with Southern Magpies last night. Ta$man social media the other week made a post about Shalfoon re-signing but nothing about Jim. maybe this is just all wishful thinking on this Otagos fan part
@Grooter said in Highlanders 2026:
@SouthernMann do we know for sure he's heading back to Ta$man? He's was helping out with Southern Magpies last night. Ta$man social media the other week made a post about Shalfoon re-signing but nothing about Jim. maybe this is just all wishful thinking on this Otagos fan part
I think he primarily lives in Duendin. From a high level strategic perspective I'd prefer he stays with Ta$man or at a pinch goes to Southland.
Otago has three contracted Highlanders midfield players who need to see game time in Te Hiwi, Whaanga and Umaga-Jensen
While Southland has Harvey who is being viewed as a strong prospect.
From a strategic prospect good to spread your players around to ensure they get gametime
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Hearing Scott Gregory is possibly returning to the Stags this season… Wonder if the Landers would ever be interested in bringing him back. Seems like he’s lost some weight, been playing on the Wing in Italy.
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Hearing Scott Gregory is possibly returning to the Stags this season… Wonder if the Landers would ever be interested in bringing him back. Seems like he’s lost some weight, been playing on the Wing in Italy.
@upthelanders based on his performances after 2021 you would hope not.
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Hearing Scott Gregory is possibly returning to the Stags this season… Wonder if the Landers would ever be interested in bringing him back. Seems like he’s lost some weight, been playing on the Wing in Italy.
@upthelanders said in Highlanders 2026:
Hearing Scott Gregory is possibly returning to the Stags this season… Wonder if the Landers would ever be interested in bringing him back. Seems like he’s lost some weight, been playing on the Wing in Italy.
Absolutely not. Not good enough for Zebre. Not good enough for Super.
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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 Where is Hastie off to? Is that fact or just speculation?
@Tackle-and-Drive said in Highlanders 2026:
@frugby Where is Hastie off to? Is that fact or just speculation?
No likely landing spot flagged. Seems it is quite solid info. Few people have said and heard it.
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TUJ potentially on the move to the blues ..
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TUJ potentially on the move to the blues ..
@CtownCowboy said in Highlanders 2026:
TUJ potentially on the move to the blues ..
For better hospitals?
Good player but injuries are a concern
I'm sure he would love to have the keys to a backline that has Kini & JRK among others
