Highlanders 2026
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@Bovidae said in Highlanders 2026:
Taylor is another small 1st 5 so I doubt he is an option at 12.
You want to spread your NDCs across positions, which is why a lock/loose forward or outside back might be their choice.
I am pretty sure he is training with the Landers which suggests he is one of the three.
Just hard to see a path forward in his prefered position of first five. I think we will see a bit of him at fullback/wing for Southland during the NPC.
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2026:
I am pretty sure he is training with the Landers which suggests he is one of the three.
If it is like the Chiefs there are a lot of NZ U20 eligible players training with each SR team. I've seen photos/videos of Ollie Guerin and Jamie Viljoen at Chiefs trainings and neither have a NDC.
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@SouthernMann Hearing Green Island player Heath Mac Ewan is training with the Highlanders, apparently he’s a converted loose forward that plays hooker , heard some good things about him
Very sizeable and mobile , could be heading North
Know much about him ? -
He played 7 for Hamilton BHS, had a high workrate.
As you say he has converted to hooker since going to Otago - that seems common with smaller loose forwards (e.g., Hutchings).
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@Steven-Harris said in Highlanders 2026:
@SouthernMann Hearing Green Island player Heath Mac Ewan is training with the Highlanders, apparently he’s a converted loose forward that plays hooker , heard some good things about him
Very sizeable and mobile , could be heading North
Know much about him ?He has been around the Otago set up for the last couple of years. As well as in the B and feeder teams. One game for Otago off the bench. Probably not a Super prospect. Just looks a good hardworking hooker.
I'd think once Shaun Kempton puts some kgs on, he'd overtake MacEwan as well.
His brother Christian is a lock who was a standby player (I think) for the U20s last year.
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2026:
@Bovidae said in Highlanders 2026:
Talk about an own goal from the media team.
There are a couple of others who could be the third NDC player from the U18 teams (e.g., Jimmy Taylor, Mason Coulthard, Jake Hill) or one of the new academy players.
You'd think it will be Jimmy Taylor.
The question with Taylor is what do they turn him into. Will be tough to crack it at 10. Will likely either become a 12 or 15.
Southland Stags will be a fascinating watch in the next few years as there's also a young fella from Timaru heading down by the name of Jay Reihana who I've been told has a bit of Izzy Dagg about his game
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Rumour floating that pledger has blown a gasket
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@Yeetyaah said in Highlanders 2026:
@jimmylazza said in Highlanders 2026:
blown a gasket
So what's the actual injury then
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@Bones said in Highlanders 2026:
@Yeetyaah said in Highlanders 2026:
@jimmylazza said in Highlanders 2026:
blown a gasket
So what's the actual injury then
Looks easy to fix,rip the head off,replace the gasket already to go again, he should be back at training after a day in the garage.
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@Chris said in Highlanders 2026:
@Bones said in Highlanders 2026:
@Yeetyaah said in Highlanders 2026:
@jimmylazza said in Highlanders 2026:
blown a gasket
So what's the actual injury then
Looks easy to fix,rip the head off,replace the gasket already to go again, he should be back at training after a day in the garage.
Pop him into Dunedin City Motors. Good relationship with the Landers
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@Chris said in Highlanders 2026:
@frugby said in Highlanders 2026:
Can confirm ACL.
Gone for SR then that is normally at least 6 months .
Shearer in to the squad from WTG ?I lesson for myself and others on the Fern. Let’s stop hyping young players up because they always seem to end up on the sidelines.
Super guttering. Was looking forward to seeing the whippet go.
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As a pessimist it was always in the back of my mind that something would happen and we wouldn't get to see much of him. Fingers crossed he has a full, hassle free recovery.
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@frugby said in Highlanders 2026:
Tried to get Arscott as a replacement but he has had a shoulder operation.
I am assuming Shearer into the main squad.
I rate Shearer at NPC level. It will be interesting to see how he goes if given a chance.
