Highlanders 2026
-
-
Looks a big step up from Dave Dillon. Looking forward to what he can bring.
-
he has had a pretty good stint as defense coach for the Pumas and recently the Leicester Tigers and Brave Bloosoms in Japan. He guided the Pumas to a semi final in 2023 and was part of their victory over the All Blacks in Christchurch. Wonder if he brings any new signings with him.
-
Very highly rated - wouldn’t look out of place in an ABs set up in the future. Don’t judge him on his league record - seems to have found his niche.
-
Paul Cully now publicly stating the Stanley Solomon rumour in his articles
-
@CtownCowboy said in Highlanders 2026:
Hearing Hastie is being linked to the Western Force
Mark that up as long range tick.
-
Tracking Mika Muliaina, the future of this side sits on his very young shoulders.
Will be interesting to see how they handle him over the next couple of years. I fully expect he will be a full squad member in 2027. When he will only just be turning 20. We cannot lose this kid.
-
@SouthernMann looked impressive off the bench for Southland
-
@KiwiMurph said in Highlanders 2026:
@SouthernMann looked impressive off the bench for Southland
The good thing is when he will be coming in, he will be brought into a fairly experienced backline.
JRK and Tangitau both signed to 2028, at least one will be an All Black. Potentially both.
Pledger and Fakatava will be a strong halfback combination.
The midfield mystery may be solved by that time. Tayne Harvey keeps on improving as wel.
Dropping a 20-year-old into 10 may be an ok option if there is plenty of talent around him.
-
@SouthernMann is he signed up to the highlanders? Every other franchise will be sniffing around if he is a unsigned player
-
@Chuck72 said in Highlanders 2026:
@SouthernMann is he signed up to the highlanders? Every other franchise will be sniffing around if he is a unsigned player
Not sure. Certainly in the system. Don't know how it goes with locking down non-full squad members.
If I was in an administrative role I'd lock him down from 2027 to a long-term contract. Highlanders will be the quickest route to a starting role. Depending on what future switches may occur.
Kid needs to be seen as the major priority for the franchise.