Highlanders 2026
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2026:
Disappointing it was refused by a team that took advantage of getting a guy out of his contract a year earlier.
Ehhh it's happened here there and everywhere, Landers have also benefited from players being let off contract early in the past.
Personally if I were the Chiefs, I'd let Jacomb go as he clearly doesn't wanna be there.
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@Yeetyaah said in Highlanders 2026:
@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2026:
Disappointing it was refused by a team that took advantage of getting a guy out of his contract a year earlier.
Ehhh it's happened here there and everywhere, Landers have also benefited from players being let off contract early in the past.
Personally if I were the Chiefs, I'd let Jacomb go as he clearly doesn't wanna be there.
That was me having a cheap dig at the Chiefs.
The second point is the more important one. In any employment situation. Never keep someone who doesnt want to be with your organisation. No matter how good they are.
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The strangest part about all of this is that Jacomb had the choice between the Chiefs and the Crusaders last year when he signed but now he wants an early release to the Highlanders.
Wonder if the Chiefs go the NRL route and drop him to the dev team all year before he leaves.
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What could be the possible backup plan…
Is Lucas Cashmore under-contract yet? -
Have to think if Dmac gets a decent shot at 10, and takes the chance and owns it, then have to think Jacombs development gets hindered further next year as Dmac will beed to play super at 10?
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I understand this from the Chief's perspective, as they likely see Jacomb as the long term replacement to DMac. He'll see plenty of time there next year and the cupboard is pretty bare.
Having said that, I'd have let Jacomb go and asked for Muliaina in return.
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Just for what it's worth even without Jacomb we have a bit of depth. Millar, and Robinson. Then Hurley, Solomon and Reesjan Pasetoa are all options too. Plus young Mika Muliana too. Bit of a shame we couldn't have thrown the Kitchen Sink at Gilbert to keep him. But if we can't have Jacomb then a few options are around - there's worse directions we could go than Lima Sopoanga he's a steady hand if nothing else. Reckon there's an overseas first five or two might be coming off contract and worth a stab too.
Whatever the case you'd have to assume JJ will be on the phone with Tony Brown to get him in camp for a few weeks to work on the first fives development.
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2026:
It was always going to be difficult chasing an under contract player.
> Disappointing it was refused by a team that took advantage of getting a guy out of his contract a year earlier.
Probably now scrambling for that third 10 role. On the plus side Millar has been a lot better (albeit in an inferior competition) since he has had the pressure removed of not being the primary playmaker for Otago.
Liam squire I believe was signed to highlanders when still under contract to the chiefs.
do we actually know jj wanted to move? -
@gt12 said in Highlanders 2026:
I understand this from the Chief's perspective, as they likely see Jacomb as the long term replacement to DMac. He'll see plenty of time there next year and the cupboard is pretty bare.
Having said that, I'd have let Jacomb go and asked for Muliaina in return.
Muliaina grew up supporting the Chiefs, so it's not impossible he'd wind up up there. Follow another Southland 10 in Dmac.
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Hearing the Landers have signed Stags lock Alefosio Aho, not sure if this is a full or wider squad contract yet.
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@upthelanders really smart move. He's one of the largest (size wise) locks in NZ and has a high ceiling. Scored a handy try this evening for the Stags too. Enjoying seeing JJ building some great depth.
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Probably would be best for Jacomb to head down to the Highlanders but ultimately the Chiefs need a back-up 10 and they'll be left a bit high and dry after investing a lot of time and money into Jacomb if he were to go now.
With other examples, it's normally been in all parties interests for a player's contract to finish early but here the Chiefs don't really have any alternative options.
