Hurricanes 2026

WoodysRFC

Stacked in outside backs, but none who are truly international standard.

SouthernMann

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

Trying to get a gauge of where our squad sits prior to Thursday's announcement.

These are the players that I've either seen confirmed or rumored to have signed.

It's pretty infuriating that we've signed guys like Enari and Filimone over guys like Preston and Solomon in the last couple years. Don't get the logic at all.

Updated squad list for 2026.

Hookers
A Aumua
J Devery
R Tuputupu

Props:
X Numia
T Mafileo
P Tosi
T Lomax
S Lauaki
P Rakete-Stones

Locks:
T Allen
C Delany
I Walker-Leawere
H Plummer
W Dearns

Loose forwards:
D Kirifi
P Lakai
B Iose
D Flanders
B Shields
A Poliko

Halfbacks:
C Roigard
J Vijoen
E Enari

First fives:
R Love
B Cameron
L Cashmore

Centres:
B Sullivan
B Proctor
J Barrett
R Higgins
J Rova

Outside backs:
C Harkin
F Fineanganofo
N Punivai
K Naholo
J Moorby
T Filimone

The Fimone v Solomon from all accounts one is a WTG player (Filimone) while Solomon is a full squad guy for the Landers. Not a fair comparison.

Also, apparently Josh Timu is a WTG member.

Canes4life

@WoodysRFC said in Hurricanes 2026:

Stacked in outside backs, but none who are truly international standard.

Naholo was knocking down the door before getting injured last year. He was the inform Super winger alongside Tangitau.

Moorby was class before he went to France, I'm yet to be convinced that he's returned the same player.

Fineanganofo was the top try scorer in the NPC and he had a breakout Super season last year, excited to see what he can bring in 2026.

The others will hopefully show some form if given the chance.

Canes4life

@SouthernMann said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

Trying to get a gauge of where our squad sits prior to Thursday's announcement.

These are the players that I've either seen confirmed or rumored to have signed.

It's pretty infuriating that we've signed guys like Enari and Filimone over guys like Preston and Solomon in the last couple years. Don't get the logic at all.

Updated squad list for 2026.

Hookers
A Aumua
J Devery
R Tuputupu

Props:
X Numia
T Mafileo
P Tosi
T Lomax
S Lauaki
P Rakete-Stones

Locks:
T Allen
C Delany
I Walker-Leawere
H Plummer
W Dearns

Loose forwards:
D Kirifi
P Lakai
B Iose
D Flanders
B Shields
A Poliko

Halfbacks:
C Roigard
J Vijoen
E Enari

First fives:
R Love
B Cameron
L Cashmore

Centres:
B Sullivan
B Proctor
J Barrett
R Higgins
J Rova

Outside backs:
C Harkin
F Fineanganofo
N Punivai
K Naholo
J Moorby
T Filimone

The Fimone v Solomon from all accounts one is a WTG player (Filimone) while Solomon is a full squad guy for the Landers. Not a fair comparison.

Also, apparently Josh Timu is a WTG member.

Right, I thought Filimone had secured a main contract. I'm happier to hear that now. Hopefully we've signed a better winger on a full contract.

WoodysRFC

Yes, like I said, stacked, in a very good position for next year in all positions really.

Canes4life

@WoodysRFC said in Hurricanes 2026:

Yes, like I said, stacked, in a very good position for next year in all positions really.

A few dud signings in my view - Enari, Poliko, Tuputupu and Allen all seem a bit meh.

If I had to grade our team by position:
Props: A
Hookers: B-
Locks: B
Loose forwards: B+
Halfbacks: B (lose Roigard and we are in the shite)
First five: B+
Centres: A
Outside backs: B

WoodysRFC

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@WoodysRFC said in Hurricanes 2026:

Yes, like I said, stacked, in a very good position for next year in all positions really.

A few dud signings in my view - Enari, Poliko, Tuputupu and Allen all seem a bit meh.

Yeah Tuputupu hasn't exactly kicked on... Would be interested to see where the Bason's land? Poliko hasn't been given much opportunity, and Allen is young, but perennialy injured it seems?

Jai Tamati should have been brought into the fold, plenty of opportunity for half backs of his type.

SouthernMann

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@SouthernMann said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

Trying to get a gauge of where our squad sits prior to Thursday's announcement.

These are the players that I've either seen confirmed or rumored to have signed.

It's pretty infuriating that we've signed guys like Enari and Filimone over guys like Preston and Solomon in the last couple years. Don't get the logic at all.

Updated squad list for 2026.

Hookers
A Aumua
J Devery
R Tuputupu

Props:
X Numia
T Mafileo
P Tosi
T Lomax
S Lauaki
P Rakete-Stones

Locks:
T Allen
C Delany
I Walker-Leawere
H Plummer
W Dearns

Loose forwards:
D Kirifi
P Lakai
B Iose
D Flanders
B Shields
A Poliko

Halfbacks:
C Roigard
J Vijoen
E Enari

First fives:
R Love
B Cameron
L Cashmore

Centres:
B Sullivan
B Proctor
J Barrett
R Higgins
J Rova

Outside backs:
C Harkin
F Fineanganofo
N Punivai
K Naholo
J Moorby
T Filimone

The Fimone v Solomon from all accounts one is a WTG player (Filimone) while Solomon is a full squad guy for the Landers. Not a fair comparison.

Also, apparently Josh Timu is a WTG member.

Right, I thought Filimone had secured a main contract. I'm happier to hear that now. Hopefully we've signed a better winger on a full contract.

Have just gone over the posts. All @Steven-Harris said was he is going to the Canes. I was presumptuous thinking it was a wider deal. So might be a full-time deal. From a now perspective. He is a better option that Solomon. He has played Super and done a good job.

Canes4life

@WoodysRFC said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@WoodysRFC said in Hurricanes 2026:

Yes, like I said, stacked, in a very good position for next year in all positions really.

A few dud signings in my view - Enari, Poliko, Tuputupu and Allen all seem a bit meh.

Yeah Tuputupu hasn't exactly kicked on... Would be interested to see where the Bason's land? Poliko hasn't been given much opportunity, and Allen is young, but perennialy injured it seems?

Jai Tamati should have been brought into the fold, plenty of opportunity for half backs of his type.

I'm hoping both Bason brothers are in the WTG. They are definitely the future of the Canes.

Canes4life

@SouthernMann said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@SouthernMann said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

Trying to get a gauge of where our squad sits prior to Thursday's announcement.

These are the players that I've either seen confirmed or rumored to have signed.

It's pretty infuriating that we've signed guys like Enari and Filimone over guys like Preston and Solomon in the last couple years. Don't get the logic at all.

Updated squad list for 2026.

Hookers
A Aumua
J Devery
R Tuputupu

Props:
X Numia
T Mafileo
P Tosi
T Lomax
S Lauaki
P Rakete-Stones

Locks:
T Allen
C Delany
I Walker-Leawere
H Plummer
W Dearns

Loose forwards:
D Kirifi
P Lakai
B Iose
D Flanders
B Shields
A Poliko

Halfbacks:
C Roigard
J Vijoen
E Enari

First fives:
R Love
B Cameron
L Cashmore

Centres:
B Sullivan
B Proctor
J Barrett
R Higgins
J Rova

Outside backs:
C Harkin
F Fineanganofo
N Punivai
K Naholo
J Moorby
T Filimone

The Fimone v Solomon from all accounts one is a WTG player (Filimone) while Solomon is a full squad guy for the Landers. Not a fair comparison.

Also, apparently Josh Timu is a WTG member.

Right, I thought Filimone had secured a main contract. I'm happier to hear that now. Hopefully we've signed a better winger on a full contract.

Have just gone over the posts. All @Steven-Harris said was he is going to the Canes. I was presumptuous thinking it was a wider deal. So might be a full-time deal. From a now perspective. He is a better option that Solomon. He has played Super and done a good job.

I would personally prefer someone like Kade Banks, odd that he was never given more opportunity last year.

WoodysRFC

Vernon's best chance is definitely at the Canes, Aumua is a bit of a sick note sadly, and Devery and Tuputupu are sqaud depth players at best. I'd be shocked if he was looking anywhere else considering the depth at Crusaders, Blues, and Chiefs.

Canes4life

@WoodysRFC said in Hurricanes 2026:

Vernon's best chance is definitely at the Canes, Aumua is a bit of a sick note sadly, and Devery and Tuputupu are sqaud depth players at best. I'd be shocked if he was looking anywhere else considering the depth at Crusaders, Blues, and Chiefs.

Wasn't he preferred over Tuputupu at Manawatu this year as well?

SouthernMann

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@SouthernMann said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@SouthernMann said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

Trying to get a gauge of where our squad sits prior to Thursday's announcement.

These are the players that I've either seen confirmed or rumored to have signed.

It's pretty infuriating that we've signed guys like Enari and Filimone over guys like Preston and Solomon in the last couple years. Don't get the logic at all.

Updated squad list for 2026.

Hookers
A Aumua
J Devery
R Tuputupu

Props:
X Numia
T Mafileo
P Tosi
T Lomax
S Lauaki
P Rakete-Stones

Locks:
T Allen
C Delany
I Walker-Leawere
H Plummer
W Dearns

Loose forwards:
D Kirifi
P Lakai
B Iose
D Flanders
B Shields
A Poliko

Halfbacks:
C Roigard
J Vijoen
E Enari

First fives:
R Love
B Cameron
L Cashmore

Centres:
B Sullivan
B Proctor
J Barrett
R Higgins
J Rova

Outside backs:
C Harkin
F Fineanganofo
N Punivai
K Naholo
J Moorby
T Filimone

The Fimone v Solomon from all accounts one is a WTG player (Filimone) while Solomon is a full squad guy for the Landers. Not a fair comparison.

Also, apparently Josh Timu is a WTG member.

Right, I thought Filimone had secured a main contract. I'm happier to hear that now. Hopefully we've signed a better winger on a full contract.

Have just gone over the posts. All @Steven-Harris said was he is going to the Canes. I was presumptuous thinking it was a wider deal. So might be a full-time deal. From a now perspective. He is a better option that Solomon. He has played Super and done a good job.

I would personally prefer someone like Kade Banks, odd that he was never given more opportunity last year.

Yeah I was just comparing a seasoned winger in Fimone to Solomon. Solomon is a heck of a talent. Very small though. The times I have seen him in person he still looks like a kid. I was to see him develop physically before getting f a decent shot at Super level. Compare him and Finn Hurley (a couple of years older) and Hurley looks a lot more robust.

WoodysRFC

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@WoodysRFC said in Hurricanes 2026:

Vernon's best chance is definitely at the Canes, Aumua is a bit of a sick note sadly, and Devery and Tuputupu are sqaud depth players at best. I'd be shocked if he was looking anywhere else considering the depth at Crusaders, Blues, and Chiefs.

Wasn't he preferred over Tuputupu at Manawatu this year as well?

Yep. They see genuine leadership qualities in him and are leaning heavily into their next crop of talent.

Canes4life

@SouthernMann said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@SouthernMann said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@SouthernMann said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

Trying to get a gauge of where our squad sits prior to Thursday's announcement.

These are the players that I've either seen confirmed or rumored to have signed.

It's pretty infuriating that we've signed guys like Enari and Filimone over guys like Preston and Solomon in the last couple years. Don't get the logic at all.

Updated squad list for 2026.

Hookers
A Aumua
J Devery
R Tuputupu

Props:
X Numia
T Mafileo
P Tosi
T Lomax
S Lauaki
P Rakete-Stones

Locks:
T Allen
C Delany
I Walker-Leawere
H Plummer
W Dearns

Loose forwards:
D Kirifi
P Lakai
B Iose
D Flanders
B Shields
A Poliko

Halfbacks:
C Roigard
J Vijoen
E Enari

First fives:
R Love
B Cameron
L Cashmore

Centres:
B Sullivan
B Proctor
J Barrett
R Higgins
J Rova

Outside backs:
C Harkin
F Fineanganofo
N Punivai
K Naholo
J Moorby
T Filimone

The Fimone v Solomon from all accounts one is a WTG player (Filimone) while Solomon is a full squad guy for the Landers. Not a fair comparison.

Also, apparently Josh Timu is a WTG member.

Right, I thought Filimone had secured a main contract. I'm happier to hear that now. Hopefully we've signed a better winger on a full contract.

Have just gone over the posts. All @Steven-Harris said was he is going to the Canes. I was presumptuous thinking it was a wider deal. So might be a full-time deal. From a now perspective. He is a better option that Solomon. He has played Super and done a good job.

I would personally prefer someone like Kade Banks, odd that he was never given more opportunity last year.

Yeah I was just comparing a seasoned winger in Fimone to Solomon. Solomon is a heck of a talent. Very small though. The times I have seen him in person he still looks like a kid. I was to see him develop physically before getting f a decent shot at Super level. Compare him and Finn Hurley (a couple of years older) and Hurley looks a lot more robust.

Yeah, totally get that. I thought the Canes would definitely have protected him though, maybe they see his size as a limiting factor at the next level. Time will tell. He could be sensational in a couple years time when he develops.

Steven Harris

@Canes4life @SouthernMann the mail I got re Filimone was definitely for the Canes , I just cross referenced the text I got

SouthernMann

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@SouthernMann said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@SouthernMann said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@SouthernMann said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

Trying to get a gauge of where our squad sits prior to Thursday's announcement.

These are the players that I've either seen confirmed or rumored to have signed.

It's pretty infuriating that we've signed guys like Enari and Filimone over guys like Preston and Solomon in the last couple years. Don't get the logic at all.

Updated squad list for 2026.

Hookers
A Aumua
J Devery
R Tuputupu

Props:
X Numia
T Mafileo
P Tosi
T Lomax
S Lauaki
P Rakete-Stones

Locks:
T Allen
C Delany
I Walker-Leawere
H Plummer
W Dearns

Loose forwards:
D Kirifi
P Lakai
B Iose
D Flanders
B Shields
A Poliko

Halfbacks:
C Roigard
J Vijoen
E Enari

First fives:
R Love
B Cameron
L Cashmore

Centres:
B Sullivan
B Proctor
J Barrett
R Higgins
J Rova

Outside backs:
C Harkin
F Fineanganofo
N Punivai
K Naholo
J Moorby
T Filimone

The Fimone v Solomon from all accounts one is a WTG player (Filimone) while Solomon is a full squad guy for the Landers. Not a fair comparison.

Also, apparently Josh Timu is a WTG member.

Right, I thought Filimone had secured a main contract. I'm happier to hear that now. Hopefully we've signed a better winger on a full contract.

Have just gone over the posts. All @Steven-Harris said was he is going to the Canes. I was presumptuous thinking it was a wider deal. So might be a full-time deal. From a now perspective. He is a better option that Solomon. He has played Super and done a good job.

I would personally prefer someone like Kade Banks, odd that he was never given more opportunity last year.

Yeah I was just comparing a seasoned winger in Fimone to Solomon. Solomon is a heck of a talent. Very small though. The times I have seen him in person he still looks like a kid. I was to see him develop physically before getting f a decent shot at Super level. Compare him and Finn Hurley (a couple of years older) and Hurley looks a lot more robust.

Yeah, totally get that. I thought the Canes would definitely have protected him though, maybe they see his size as a limiting factor at the next level. Time will tell. He could be sensational in a couple years time when he develops.

The kid could be anything. He just needs to ensure he has the physicality to stand up week in week out. I see him and Hurley as being interchangeable in the 23 jersey. Just need him to get some more size.

SouthernMann

@Steven-Harris said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life @SouthernMann the mail I got re Filimone was definitely for the Canes , I just cross referenced the text I got

He is a very tidy winger. Does everything right.

WoodysRFC

@SouthernMann said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@SouthernMann said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@SouthernMann said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

@SouthernMann said in Hurricanes 2026:

@Canes4life said in Hurricanes 2026:

Trying to get a gauge of where our squad sits prior to Thursday's announcement.

These are the players that I've either seen confirmed or rumored to have signed.

It's pretty infuriating that we've signed guys like Enari and Filimone over guys like Preston and Solomon in the last couple years. Don't get the logic at all.

Updated squad list for 2026.

Hookers
A Aumua
J Devery
R Tuputupu

Props:
X Numia
T Mafileo
P Tosi
T Lomax
S Lauaki
P Rakete-Stones

Locks:
T Allen
C Delany
I Walker-Leawere
H Plummer
W Dearns

Loose forwards:
D Kirifi
P Lakai
B Iose
D Flanders
B Shields
A Poliko

Halfbacks:
C Roigard
J Vijoen
E Enari

First fives:
R Love
B Cameron
L Cashmore

Centres:
B Sullivan
B Proctor
J Barrett
R Higgins
J Rova

Outside backs:
C Harkin
F Fineanganofo
N Punivai
K Naholo
J Moorby
T Filimone

The Fimone v Solomon from all accounts one is a WTG player (Filimone) while Solomon is a full squad guy for the Landers. Not a fair comparison.

Also, apparently Josh Timu is a WTG member.

Right, I thought Filimone had secured a main contract. I'm happier to hear that now. Hopefully we've signed a better winger on a full contract.

Have just gone over the posts. All @Steven-Harris said was he is going to the Canes. I was presumptuous thinking it was a wider deal. So might be a full-time deal. From a now perspective. He is a better option that Solomon. He has played Super and done a good job.

I would personally prefer someone like Kade Banks, odd that he was never given more opportunity last year.

Yeah I was just comparing a seasoned winger in Fimone to Solomon. Solomon is a heck of a talent. Very small though. The times I have seen him in person he still looks like a kid. I was to see him develop physically before getting f a decent shot at Super level. Compare him and Finn Hurley (a couple of years older) and Hurley looks a lot more robust.

Yeah, totally get that. I thought the Canes would definitely have protected him though, maybe they see his size as a limiting factor at the next level. Time will tell. He could be sensational in a couple years time when he develops.

The kid could be anything. He just needs to ensure he has the physicality to stand up week in week out. I see him and Hurley as being interchangeable in the 23 jersey. Just need him to get some more size.

Do think his decision was an odd one though, two young players in his preferred position. Surely he'd have more of a chance seeing game time at the Hurricanes?

MacDazzler

Few thoughts

I'd rather have Bason over Tuputupu as the 3rd hooker.

Found it strange Kade Banks didn't get much opportunities this year and would kept him over the some of the current options.

Gallagher would have been handy to keep but obviously decided to leave, thought he had a good NPC campaign at 6 for Canterbury.

The Silver Fern

Hurricanes 2026