Highlanders 2026
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yeah, off field shit is enough for me, proper bad dude stuff, but wasted his opportunity in the black jersey, never really stepped up and finally he's like 32 so not exactly one for the future....honestly dont see why we would
@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2026:
yeah, off field shit is enough for me, proper bad dude stuff, but wasted his opportunity in the black jersey, never really stepped up and finally he's like 32 so not exactly one for the future....honestly dont see why we would
Particularly when we have two young six’s in the squad with plenty of talent
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@jimmyb Sorry gonna have to disagree with that. We’ve got two wanna be Frizzell’s in the All Blacks right now. Parker and Finau.
@upthelanders said in Highlanders 2026:
@jimmyb Sorry gonna have to disagree with that. We’ve got two wanna be Frizzell’s in the All Blacks right now. Parker and Finau.
Frizell is overhyped based on 1 game vs Boks at Mt Smart. You dont want to be Frizell.
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@upthelanders said in Highlanders 2026:
@jimmyb Sorry gonna have to disagree with that. We’ve got two wanna be Frizzell’s in the All Blacks right now. Parker and Finau.
Frizell is overhyped based on 1 game vs Boks at Mt Smart. You dont want to be Frizell.
@KiwiMurph I'm of the opinion that he had more to offer at international level than Finau (which isn't saying much), it's early days on Parker so I'll reserve judgement there. But he did run hot and cold at the Highlanders.
On one hand, he wouldn't be bad for depth. But on the other hand there's a lot of other players I wouldn't mind seeing back more than him. And off field stuff didn't help.
If I had my choice in 2027 I'd get Aaron Smith back into the environment, and use Adam Lennox as a utility back given he covers that position for Taranaki. I also wouldn't mind seeing Dickson back if Dunshea leaves next season.
Beyond that I'd be looking to the future. Fletcher Anderson has had an exceptional NPC, and my understanding is he's off contract at the Crusaders. Could be a good pickup. Lucas Casey is another we need to lock down. Then I'd like to see a big 110kg plus Number eight found that we could develop.
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@KiwiMurph I'm of the opinion that he had more to offer at international level than Finau (which isn't saying much), it's early days on Parker so I'll reserve judgement there. But he did run hot and cold at the Highlanders.
On one hand, he wouldn't be bad for depth. But on the other hand there's a lot of other players I wouldn't mind seeing back more than him. And off field stuff didn't help.
If I had my choice in 2027 I'd get Aaron Smith back into the environment, and use Adam Lennox as a utility back given he covers that position for Taranaki. I also wouldn't mind seeing Dickson back if Dunshea leaves next season.
Beyond that I'd be looking to the future. Fletcher Anderson has had an exceptional NPC, and my understanding is he's off contract at the Crusaders. Could be a good pickup. Lucas Casey is another we need to lock down. Then I'd like to see a big 110kg plus Number eight found that we could develop.
@handa457 said in Highlanders 2026:
@KiwiMurph I'm of the opinion that he had more to offer at international level than Finau (which isn't saying much), it's early days on Parker so I'll reserve judgement there. But he did run hot and cold at the Highlanders.
On one hand, he wouldn't be bad for depth. But on the other hand there's a lot of other players I wouldn't mind seeing back more than him. And off field stuff didn't help.
If I had my choice in 2027 I'd get Aaron Smith back into the environment, and use Adam Lennox as a utility back given he covers that position for Taranaki. I also wouldn't mind seeing Dickson back if Dunshea leaves next season.
Beyond that I'd be looking to the future. Fletcher Anderson has had an exceptional NPC, and my understanding is he's off contract at the Crusaders. Could be a good pickup. Lucas Casey is another we need to lock down. Then I'd like to see a big 110kg plus Number eight found that we could develop.
On the 8, I’d be very much down for converting either Haig or Howden to an 8. Either of them could do it. It allows us to run a pure 7 in Withy and Casey at 7, and creates more balance in the set piece.
On Smith, with how well Pledger is playing and the fact that 9 seems like a position a young player can flourish in early, I’m not sure we desperately need him. A solid 10 would be fantastic.
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@george33 said in Highlanders 2026:
Rumours are that Frizzell will be a Highlander apparently Joseph has made the call.
Which show did Sam Casey/lashes say this on?
Published content has him staying in Japan for the next league one season. https://www.rugbypass.com/news/shannon-frizell-postpones-all-blacks-homecoming/
@SouthernMann he mentioned it on SportNation
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Bringing in a 38-year-old Aaron Smith into a squad he has been away from for years is not the answer. We also have a perfectly capable cohort of halfbacks. With Pledger being absolutely top draw. With Lennox, Taranaki need to stop stuffing with his development. The kid is a halfback. Leave him there. We also don't need another small utility back. We have Solomon and Hurley. Both are better outside backs than Lennox.
Go hunting for a 110kg no8? Will stodart is 116kg. Withy can play thr workhorse role at 8. Casey can go there as well. Looking at the loosie mix. Sure, we are not the Chiefs with five All Black sixes. We do, have a strong group of guys all 24 and under. We have a strong group of sixes and opensides. We now need to leverage them to work out how to get them to cover the 8 gig as well.
With Frizzell. We'd be dumb to knock him back. From socials it looks like Dunedin is his primary NZ base too. If he wants to be around for a couple of years. That is a win.
Loosie isn't a major issue. A starting 10, prop depth, hooker depth and centre is where our issues are. The squad has come a long way in recent years from when Jona Nareki and Sam Gilbert were some of our star players.
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@ploughboy said in Highlanders 2026:
I'd like to see more of stodart at 8 and Haig at 6
On this, how is Howden playing this NPC season? Haven’t really watched any games outside the Otago ones
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@ploughboy said in Highlanders 2026:
I'd like to see more of stodart at 8 and Haig at 6
On this, how is Howden playing this NPC season? Haven’t really watched any games outside the Otago ones
@jimmyb said in Highlanders 2026:
@ploughboy said in Highlanders 2026:
I'd like to see more of stodart at 8 and Haig at 6
On this, how is Howden playing this NPC season? Haven’t really watched any games outside the Otago ones
He's been good. Similar form to the back end of the Lander's season. We are really lucky to have six loosies (I'm including Casey) who have all been playing really well. Just none are primarily playing at no8.
Hoping Haig, Casey and Stodart show their credentials today and outshine their Canterbury rivals. The Canterbury trio will have a better tight five to operate off the back of though.
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Landers are interested in Lucas Casey - possibly have already offered him a contract.
This is good to hear - if nothing else our recruitment looks to have significantly improved, so even if JJ can't spark them into life, whoever steps in would have a good squad to work with.
@frugby said in Highlanders 2026:
Landers are interested in Lucas Casey - possibly have already offered him a contract.
This is good to hear - if nothing else our recruitment looks to have significantly improved, so even if JJ can't spark them into life, whoever steps in would have a good squad to work with.
Just an update to this. Hearing he has signed, just don't know whether that is a full contract, or a WTG contract.
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Would be exceptionally dumb if he isn't a full squad member. Allowing other teams to pick him up should an injury occur within their ranks.
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Would be exceptionally dumb if he isn't a full squad member. Allowing other teams to pick him up should an injury occur within their ranks.
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2026:
Would be exceptionally dumb if he isn't a full squad member. Allowing other teams to pick him up should an injury occur within their ranks.
Depends on contracting. Conceivable the Highlanders have signed him for 2027 as the roster is full for 2026 - this happens quite commonly.
FWIW, I'd be in inclined to believe that with Hayden Michaels contract being terminated it will be as full squad member.
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This is the list I have at the moment:
Ending 2025
DLB
LoweEnding 2026
Millar
Haig
Te Hiwi
Vikena
Hurley
Taylor
Bell
Stodart
Robinson
Howden
Ta'avao
LavaniniEnding 2027
Whaanga
Fakatava
Tavatananawai
Lasaqa
De Groot
Solomon
Pledger
Tito-HarrisEnding 2028
JRK
Tangitau
Holland
Tengblad (from 2027)Unknown
TUJ
Tele'a (two years will run out 25)
Wingham (two years will run out 25)
Ma'u
Withy
Bartlett (two years will be to 26)
Dunshea
Nareki
Broughton
Kautai (two years to 26)
Casey
Lennox -
Bringing in a 38-year-old Aaron Smith into a squad he has been away from for years is not the answer. We also have a perfectly capable cohort of halfbacks. With Pledger being absolutely top draw. With Lennox, Taranaki need to stop stuffing with his development. The kid is a halfback. Leave him there. We also don't need another small utility back. We have Solomon and Hurley. Both are better outside backs than Lennox.
Go hunting for a 110kg no8? Will stodart is 116kg. Withy can play thr workhorse role at 8. Casey can go there as well. Looking at the loosie mix. Sure, we are not the Chiefs with five All Black sixes. We do, have a strong group of guys all 24 and under. We have a strong group of sixes and opensides. We now need to leverage them to work out how to get them to cover the 8 gig as well.
With Frizzell. We'd be dumb to knock him back. From socials it looks like Dunedin is his primary NZ base too. If he wants to be around for a couple of years. That is a win.
Loosie isn't a major issue. A starting 10, prop depth, hooker depth and centre is where our issues are. The squad has come a long way in recent years from when Jona Nareki and Sam Gilbert were some of our star players.
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2026:
Bringing in a 38-year-old Aaron Smith into a squad he has been away from for years is not the answer. We also have a perfectly capable cohort of halfbacks. With Pledger being absolutely top draw. With Lennox, Taranaki need to stop stuffing with his development. The kid is a halfback. Leave him there. We also don't need another small utility back. We have Solomon and Hurley. Both are better outside backs than Lennox.
Go hunting for a 110kg no8? Will stodart is 116kg. Withy can play thr workhorse role at 8. Casey can go there as well. Looking at the loosie mix. Sure, we are not the Chiefs with five All Black sixes. We do, have a strong group of guys all 24 and under. We have a strong group of sixes and opensides. We now need to leverage them to work out how to get them to cover the 8 gig as well.
With Frizzell. We'd be dumb to knock him back. From socials it looks like Dunedin is his primary NZ base too. If he wants to be around for a couple of years. That is a win.
Loosie isn't a major issue. A starting 10, prop depth, hooker depth and centre is where our issues are. The squad has come a long way in recent years from when Jona Nareki and Sam Gilbert were some of our star players.
On the Lennox thing the Naki isn't stuffing him around, simple playing him where they is best for the Naki, they aren't there to develop Clan players. We got Logan Crowley at 9 too, and even at club level Lennox plays a lot or 14/15 as Stratford also got a handy 9, so use their recourses as best for club. I think it a huge string to Lennox's bow how good he is at 14/15 as well as 9.
Of course they should sign Frizzell,, a no brainer, he got pissed and caused trouble etc, and so deserved to be punished, but that's over. -
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2026:
Bringing in a 38-year-old Aaron Smith into a squad he has been away from for years is not the answer. We also have a perfectly capable cohort of halfbacks. With Pledger being absolutely top draw. With Lennox, Taranaki need to stop stuffing with his development. The kid is a halfback. Leave him there. We also don't need another small utility back. We have Solomon and Hurley. Both are better outside backs than Lennox.
Go hunting for a 110kg no8? Will stodart is 116kg. Withy can play thr workhorse role at 8. Casey can go there as well. Looking at the loosie mix. Sure, we are not the Chiefs with five All Black sixes. We do, have a strong group of guys all 24 and under. We have a strong group of sixes and opensides. We now need to leverage them to work out how to get them to cover the 8 gig as well.
With Frizzell. We'd be dumb to knock him back. From socials it looks like Dunedin is his primary NZ base too. If he wants to be around for a couple of years. That is a win.
Loosie isn't a major issue. A starting 10, prop depth, hooker depth and centre is where our issues are. The squad has come a long way in recent years from when Jona Nareki and Sam Gilbert were some of our star players.
On the Lennox thing the Naki isn't stuffing him around, simple playing him where they is best for the Naki, they aren't there to develop Clan players. We got Logan Crowley at 9 too, and even at club level Lennox plays a lot or 14/15 as Stratford also got a handy 9, so use their recourses as best for club. I think it a huge string to Lennox's bow how good he is at 14/15 as well as 9.
Of course they should sign Frizzell,, a no brainer, he got pissed and caused trouble etc, and so deserved to be punished, but that's over.@Dan54 said in Highlanders 2026:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2026:
Bringing in a 38-year-old Aaron Smith into a squad he has been away from for years is not the answer. We also have a perfectly capable cohort of halfbacks. With Pledger being absolutely top draw. With Lennox, Taranaki need to stop stuffing with his development. The kid is a halfback. Leave him there. We also don't need another small utility back. We have Solomon and Hurley. Both are better outside backs than Lennox.
Go hunting for a 110kg no8? Will stodart is 116kg. Withy can play thr workhorse role at 8. Casey can go there as well. Looking at the loosie mix. Sure, we are not the Chiefs with five All Black sixes. We do, have a strong group of guys all 24 and under. We have a strong group of sixes and opensides. We now need to leverage them to work out how to get them to cover the 8 gig as well.
With Frizzell. We'd be dumb to knock him back. From socials it looks like Dunedin is his primary NZ base too. If he wants to be around for a couple of years. That is a win.
Loosie isn't a major issue. A starting 10, prop depth, hooker depth and centre is where our issues are. The squad has come a long way in recent years from when Jona Nareki and Sam Gilbert were some of our star players.
On the Lennox thing the Naki isn't stuffing him around, simple playing him where they is best for the Naki, they aren't there to develop Clan players. We got Logan Crowley at 9 too, and even at club level Lennox plays a lot or 14/15 as Stratford also got a handy 9, so use their recourses as best for club. I think it a huge string to Lennox's bow how good he is at 14/15 as well as 9.
Of course they should sign Frizzell,, a no brainer, he got pissed and caused trouble etc, and so deserved to be punished, but that's over.Take your eye patch off buddy. They are stuffing Lennox around. He isn't going to be a Super level outside back. He is a Super level halfback. Their selection priorities are impacting the ability of him to develop career wise.
He will say he will do whatever the team needs. However, the is a classic case of high performance processes not working. You need aligned processes. From a NZ rugby perspectife. Halfbacks are halfbacks. 10s are 10s. Lennox's career prospects are not improving because he can cover the outside backs. It improves because he is a quality halfback. If he doesn't play there. He does not get rhe ability to develop.
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Depth at 7 is stacked now with Casey, Lasaqa and Withy. Love to see it.
Im wondering whether they’ll make a change and move Withy to 6 permanently, considering he’s been playing there all season with the Stags. But the flip side to that is you lose that big body at 6, like TK Howden or a Shannon Frizell, or do they slot them at 8 instead of Broughton?
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Withy is about the same size as most of the other no8s in NZ Super sides.
About the same height as Sotutu and Renton, taller than Lio-Willie, Iose, Lakai, Broughton, Savea and Fletcher Anderson.
The only markedly bigger 8s height and weight wise are Parker, Srodart and Wrampling.
He doesn't need to be the explosive eight when we have primary ball carriers at six and seven.
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Withy is about the same size as most of the other no8s in NZ Super sides.
About the same height as Sotutu and Renton, taller than Lio-Willie, Iose, Lakai, Broughton, Savea and Fletcher Anderson.
The only markedly bigger 8s height and weight wise are Parker, Srodart and Wrampling.
He doesn't need to be the explosive eight when we have primary ball carriers at six and seven.
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2026:
Withy is about the same size as most of the other no8s in NZ Super sides.
About the same height as Sotutu and Renton, taller than Lio-Willie, Iose, Lakai, Broughton, Savea and Fletcher Anderson.
Yep - but he is an inferior ball-player to all those except Renton.
Howden, Lasaqa, Withy wasn't good enough over the long-term this year, and I fail to see why that would be different next year - but you need a squad of guys. Withy's versatility means he can play 8, but I find it hard to make a loose forward trio that is well-balanced with him at 8, given the style of player Howden and Haig are, for this to be considered the first option.
Of Interest. Sean Withy's W/L by Starting Position across NPC & SR:
2025
6: 5W/3L
7: 0W/6L
8: 0W/6L2024
6: 2W/9L
7: 6W/4L
8: -2023
6: 4W/0L
7: 2W/7L
8: - -
We have three guys who are interchangeable at six in Stodart, Haig and Howden.
We have three who are likely to be interchangeable at seven in Lasaqa, Casey and Withy.
We do not have an option at eight.
The workrate Withy offers means he will be a starter. Doesn't offer what we need off the bench.
JJ likes a tall six. He likes an explosive seven.
Has shown a track record of like a workrate guy at eight.
Citing his W/L record in generally por performing Landers/Southland/Otago sides is a bit of a moot point
