Highlanders 2026
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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?
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@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 -
anyone know off the top of their heads how many games we got out of TUJ this year?
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anyone know off the top of their heads how many games we got out of TUJ this year?
@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2026:
anyone know off the top of their heads how many games we got out of TUJ this year?
Just did a quick check. 11 games. Pretty reasonable for an inside back these days with rotations etc. Probably the most Highlanders games he’s played in a season since he joined
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@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2026:
anyone know off the top of their heads how many games we got out of TUJ this year?
Just did a quick check. 11 games. Pretty reasonable for an inside back these days with rotations etc. Probably the most Highlanders games he’s played in a season since he joined
@Landers92 thats kind of what i felt.....but im wrong more times than im right so wanted to check, definitely one of his better season injury wise
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TUJ potentially on the move to the blues ..
@CtownCowboy Definitely the Blues? Just reading between the lines, MP have 30 players locked in for next year, of which only 24 (I think?) are actually publicly known. TUJ to link up with his uncle?
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They just got Laumape so I’m guessing no
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The faster we get confirmation from the club around departures, the wasier it will be to throw around potential new guys. Even as it stands it is looking likely several under contract guys will be leaving. Having that surety will make the picture clearer
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The faster we get confirmation from the club around departures, the wasier it will be to throw around potential new guys. Even as it stands it is looking likely several under contract guys will be leaving. Having that surety will make the picture clearer
@SouthernMann several under contract? so we buy out their contracts or their new clubs do?
