Highlanders 2026
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@Steven-Harris haven’t followed him much this season. But can’t Felitoni Peni do the same? Hard to understand why he does not seem to be in the frame.
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Can confirm XTH has signed a two year deal with the Landers . Blues weren’t convincing enough to get him to stay local.
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@CtownCowboy said in Highlanders 2026:
Can confirm XTH has signed a two year deal with the Landers . Blues weren’t convincing enough to get him to stay local.
Excellent news the guy has been a real bright spot for Auckland a true livewire winger if I've ever seen one
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The success of the squad will depend solely on whether Jacomb can make it and stay fit.
The step down to Robinson and Millar is massive.
Everywhere else there is enough depth to be able to rotate like the other sides.
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@frugby said in Highlanders 2026:
Go all in on Stanley Solomon. Ken Laban (Future Mayor of Upper Hutt) tells me his preferred position is 10!
Hutt City. Commonly known as Lower Hutt. Not Upper Hutt.
The much better Hutt.
Solomon played a lot of his club footy for Petone at 10.
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@frugby sounds like it.
In terms of forwards at Lock I guess a few options could be Tai Cribb (but he’s a bit of a lock six hybrid right?), Will Tucker or even big Ale Aho down in Southland. Joseva Temani is pretty short but has done will this season too.
I have only really been following Otago, and Southland. So probably missing a few lock options around the country.
Lucas Casey seems like the obvious fit at Flanker, but it’d be just like the highlanders to not sign local talent.
Finley Brewis would be a great pickup if he could stay fit too.
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@jimmyb by all accounts yes. He’s still tearing it up at NPC. But hasn’t played a full super season without injury…ever I think?
I don’t think he’s suddenly about to buck the trend and last the whole season. More than likely he features in about half the games and provides experience and depth.
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@handa457 said in Highlanders 2026:
@frugby sounds like it.
In terms of forwards at Lock I guess a few options could be Tai Cribb (but he’s a bit of a lock six hybrid right?), Will Tucker or even big Ale Aho down in Southland. Joseva Temani is pretty short but has done will this season too.
I have only really been following Otago, and Southland. So probably missing a few lock options around the country.
Lucas Casey seems like the obvious fit at Flanker, but it’d be just like the highlanders to not sign local talent.
Finley Brewis would be a great pickup if he could stay fit too.
Temani is signed with the Drua. Was told a couple months ago Tucker is wanting a contract in Japan but nothing set in stone at the moment.
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@handa457 said in Highlanders 2026:
@Landers92 I’d be tempted to give 132kg Ale Aho a crack then. He’s got to be one of the largest locks floating around, is young and has a high ceiling.
I just can't see it.
Joseph wants his locks to either be tall, lean and with motors that go all day. Or a shorter hybrid player who can fill in. A massive grunter doesn't fit into the game plan. doubt we will pick another specialist lock for next year. Will instead bulk up the loosies.
Looking at the style of guys he likes in certain roles. Casey fits in as a back up to Lasaqa.
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@SouthernMann Where does withy fit in the starting 23 then? I like TK Howden at 6, Lasaqa at 7 and Broughton at 8. Does that mean Withy on the bench?
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In terms of other locks around the NPC, I've loved the look of Jayden Sa from Taranaki and Dylan Eti from Waikato. I believe they were both in the NZ U20’s squad, not sure if they have super contracts yet.
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@upthelanders said in Highlanders 2026:
@SouthernMann Where does withy fit in the starting 23 then? I like TK Howden at 6, Lasaqa at 7 and Broughton at 8. Does that mean Withy on the bench?
Withy starts at 8.
I just don't see us recruiting another lock, outside potentially Tai Cribb.
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@SouthernMann
Ale Aho ?
