Highlanders 2026
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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.
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@Crazy-Horse He's only 22 so has a decent ceiling ahead of him as well. Loss of Pledger also opens up the possibility of a Lennox on the bench covering outside bcks, and Pasetoa covering 10 & midfield and then a 6 - 2 split in the forwards.
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@Canes4life said in Highlanders 2026:
@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.
A lesson for NZ rugby too I reckon: pick people when they deserve it because if you don't injury might cost you the next opportunity.
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Hugely disappointing for Pledger. Hopefully he gets the support he needs around this and makes the right decisions for hia recovery.
Massive loss for the Highlanders. Millar is a completely different player with a playmaking nine inside of him.
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@reprobate absolutely, sliding doors and all, but had he gone on tour with NZ A last year, he gets experience, grows slightly, gets different break, body and mind in different condition, is not in that position for the moment that causes that injury (or could have been injured on tour, worse or slightly less serious and ready for the start of super)
