Highlanders 2026
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From today’s ODT article.
‘Casey understood to have signed with Highlanders’
‘The Otago Daily Times understands the openside has inked a deal.
Details of the agreement are unclear — whether it is a full contract or a wider training squad deal, for example — but anyone with eyes can see why the Highlanders have shown interest despite having a full roster of loosies.’Sounds awfully similar to a certain message sent above
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The best thing the Landers can do is just confirm it.
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Is this where we are sitting right now?
- Ethan de Groot (cc)
- Jack Taylor
- Saula Ma’u
- Mitch Dunshea
- Fabian Holland
- TK Howden
- Sean Withy
- Will Stodart
- Folau Fakatava
- Cam Millar
- Jona Nareki
- Timoci Tavatavanawai
- Tanielu Tele’a
- Caleb Tangitau
- Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
- Henry Bell
- Josh Bartlett
- Angus Ta’avao
- Oliver Haig
- Lucas Casey
- Dylan Pledger
- Finn Hurley
- Jake Te Hiwi
(24) Hooker: Soane Vikena
(25-26) Props: Rohan Wingham/Sefo Kautai + 1
(27) Lock: Tomas Lavanini
(28-31) Loose Forwards: Veveni Lasaqa, Nikora Broughton + 2
(32) Halfback: Adam Lennox
(33-34) First Fives: Taine Robinson + Josh Jacomb
(35-36) Midfielders: Josh Whaanga + Thomas Umaga-Jensen
(37-38) Outside Backs: Stanley Solomon, Xavier Tito-HarrisA few thoughts on those wider positions:
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It is possible there is seven props, meaning both Wingham and Kautai are retained. That +1 will regardless be a loosehead in place of DLB
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On the Assumption Hugh Renton is not back, there will definitely be a number eight (Any suggestions here?)
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As well as possibly being a seventh prop, the final forward spot could go to a fourth hooker or a fourth halfback, however it is most likely it'll either be a lock or loose forward (I'm picking it to be a loosie)
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Josh Jacomb is still not a done deal, but obviously if we get him, he will start. The alternative may well be a second-five given the links to Peni and Pasitoa
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Am tipping TUJ will be retained, but it is possible they opt with Pasitoa here
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Given Lennox can in theory play on the wing, I think they will be happy to head into the season with the current outside options.
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@upthelanders That 23, was just to give an idea rather than an out and out best 23... having said that, Ta'avao isn't coming down here to start - he is here to offer some leadership.
Lavanini likewise, but there will be plenty of minutes to go around.
As for Broughton, I get the feeling he isn't rated - and I agree with that. Has failed to kick onto anything - good skills, but he does not have the frame.
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@upthelanders said in Highlanders 2026:
@frugby
Broughton over Stodart any day of the week atm.
Would rather have Ta’avo starting over Ma’u.
We don’t know how good Lavanini is going to be, but surely we didn’t bring him here to not be in the starting 23.No thanks for Ta'avao over Ma'u. Ta'avao can close out games. Ma'u, despite his battles this year is way ahead.
No8 is a complete mystery. There are six or seven lads who can start in the loose. It just depends on the mix Joseph wants.
If we don't land Jacomb. I wouldn't be surprised if we do something different like give Hurley or Solomon a go there. Initially off the bench.
I like the idea of Cooper Roberts. He looks classy.
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Fair points.
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@SouthernMann Agree on Hurley. I am not sure I envisage JJ opting for another first five for the sake of it... are we totally ruling out an SOS to Lima?
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@upthelanders Way too young. He is in the system, and there is zero need to rush him.
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lol but he is an SOS option
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Let Mika be a full-time development player next year. Captain the Lander's U20s. Lead the national U20s from 10. He could get ruined in Super footy going in there too early.
Just feel like Hurley is a shout at 10, with no Jacomb. He is one of our best attacking threats and the other options at 10 have limited attacking capabilities. Pick your best six baxks from 10 to 15 and make them fit in.
Broughton is a capable squad guy. Due to the capability of the guys who are primarily 6/7s my hunch is that one of them will land the 8 role. He has looked decent for BOP this year. Lasaqa and Casey have been the best two sevens. Stodart and Howden similar at six. Withy has been the glue whenever he has been on the field. Plenty of options.
I hope we keep Wingham. Has filled in for Ma'u really well. Props don't progress early. Seems a waste to throw the development away to take a punt on someone else.
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Have heard Pasitoa is very likely.
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A bit of evening mail, have heard Jonah Lowe supposedly has been re-signed for next season. I guess if they want seven outside backs, you can't deny he had a strong end to the season. That would likely be instead of one of the forwards I had suggested. If Pasitoa is likely, then probably no TUJ.
Negotiations remain ongoing for Jacomb - I take that to mean the Highlanders are negotiating a release fee with the Chiefs.
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@jimmyb said in Highlanders 2026:
How long is Joseph signed on the head coach? Am I imagining things or is it only two years? So this season is the last before a resigning or leaving?
Joseph originally signed for four years as the Director of Rugby. 2026 will be the third year of his contract.
Re Lowe. He will be taking his spot. Solomon replaces Gilbert. Tito-Harris replaces Manson.
There is still a midfield spot for TUJ or another player such as Pasitoa.
I'm disappointed we didn't opt for Filimone over Lowe. He has been really good for Manawatu.
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