Highlanders 2026

[handa457]

@frugby reckon this might speak to a recruitment issue? Bit of a struggle to get players down south?

[SouthernMann]

@handa457 said in Highlanders 2026:

@frugby reckon this might speak to a recruitment issue? Bit of a struggle to get players down south?

I think it is just a tactical decision to keep some spots clear.

We have got players willing to move to Dunedin. Just look at Jacomb (even though we will need to wait a year), Tito-Harris and Lavanini.

Of the wider training group. Only Wingham is from the south originally.

Muliaina wil be with the squad a fair bit. But, will also be in and out with Landers and NZ U20s.

[jimmyb]

Why Cribb over Tucker? Who’s just been announced in the WTS for the crusaders? Cribb’s contract?

[handa457]

@jimmyb my guess is they want a young lock for the future. Hence the rumours on here that they chased Dylan Eti and Fiti Sa. If Dunshea and Lavinini both head overseas next year that leaves thin depth behind Holland. It’s handy having Crib and Tengblad studying under those two for a season before they’re gone.

[SouthernMann]

My only issue with Cribb is that we already had several guys who cover 6/lock. Are in that 1.94 - 1.97 range. It seems like Joseph enjoy recruiting players that remind him of himself in his playing days.

Howden, Stodart, Haig and Cribb. Short locks. Tall loosies.

We just don't need all four.

[handa457]

I suspect it may have been a case of ‘we’d love someone in the 1.97 - 2:04 range but also need someone who’s young, ready to move south and up to super rugby level (or will be soon enough) and he ticked more boxes than anyone else. So I can sympathise with the decision even if I agree I’d have preferred a talker lock.

My bigger concern is that we might try and rush Frizzell back into the mix next year and loose someone like Haig or Stodart because of it.

For me the bigger question isn’t recruiting a 21 year old lock (that feels like the best future proofing we can achieve):

[Bovidae]

Alefosio Aho would have been available unless he wanted to return to Auckland. It might have just come down to Joseph's preference.

[Grooter]

Just started listening to this at 11:00 Jacob clarifies he's signed until 2027 not 2028 like the landers socials stated lol

[Grooter]

The Legend of Marty Banks

Sheesh. This will be close - Georgia

thought I would share this here, good on Fabian it's a deserved nomination, when he's not starting his presence is missed big time as seen in Wellington and England. As for us I do wonder if he'll Join Jim & Sean in our leadership group

[jimmyb]

@Grooter said in Highlanders 2026:

The Legend of Marty Banks

Sheesh. This will be close - Georgia

thought I would share this here, good on Fabian it's a deserved nomination, when he's not starting his presence is missed big time as seen in Wellington and England. As for us I do wonder if he'll Join Jim & Sean in our leadership group

Surely it’s a shoot out between Holland and Hooker