Highlanders 2022

[Kiwiwomble]

@Smudge i love the stories of blokes just turning up and trying to play some rugby, reminds me of tanaka coming down to dunedin, no promises, just come and play and see how you go

[Kiwiwomble]

love or hate him he's been a true stalwart and loyal servant

[SouthernMann]

@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2022:

love or hate him he's been a true stalwart and loyal servant

And yet we haven't yet invested in a quality young hooker.

[Bones]

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2022:

@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2022:

love or hate him he's been a true stalwart and loyal servant

And yet we haven't yet invested in a quality young hooker.

We'll get one of the ones being blooded at the other franchises! Thomson or Vikena will turn up in a season or two I'm sure...

[Stargazer]

@Bones Thompson? I seriously doubt that. I can see him overtake Slater at the Chiefs, next season. One of the many hookers used by the Hurricanes is more likely.

[Kiwiwomble]

i actually thought ricky jackson looked much better in last years npc and henry bell looked very promising

[Bones]

@Stargazer you read it here first!

[Grooter]

@Kiwiwomble they'll have high hopes for Jack Taylor as if I'm not mistaken he's on the same high performance program that has seen Ma'u, Withy & Holland complete

[SouthernMann]

Next year Taylor will be in year two of his initial three year contract. He will be turning 20. Probably won't be filling the immediate hole. I think they will be aiming for these academy players to potentially make the step up in year three, if they are capable. Also bearing in mind the other two hookers are older as well. We might be needing a full set of hookers within the next couple of years. There has been a lack of forward planning regarding the hooking position.

[macmanus]

@SouthernMann Ricky Jackson is not contracted for 2023… Henry Bell can be the 3 hooker next year, also Taylor. Southern boys

[KiwiMurph]

@Bones said in Highlanders 2022:

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2022:

@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2022:

love or hate him he's been a true stalwart and loyal servant

And yet we haven't yet invested in a quality young hooker.

We'll get one of the ones being blooded at the other franchises! Thomson or Vikena will turn up in a season or two I'm sure...

The one you really want is Riccitelli.....

[Bones]

@KiwiMurph said in Highlanders 2022:

@Bones said in Highlanders 2022:

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2022:

@Kiwiwomble said in Highlanders 2022:

love or hate him he's been a true stalwart and loyal servant

And yet we haven't yet invested in a quality young hooker.

We'll get one of the ones being blooded at the other franchises! Thomson or Vikena will turn up in a season or two I'm sure...

The one you really want is Riccitelli.....

I riccitellyou you're wrong

[SouthernMann]

@macmanus said in Highlanders 2022:

@SouthernMann Ricky Jackson is not contracted for 2023… Henry Bell can be the 3 hooker next year, also Taylor. Southern boys

Ricky Jackson, Henry Bell and a young fella from Southland who hasn't played first class rugby doesn't inspire me.

[Bovidae]

It is strange that the Highlanders don't appear to have a succession plan at hooker, as Marshall (who replaced Jackson) is the youngest of the current three at 29.

Flynn Thomas was highly rated as an age-group player. I doubt you'll get Bell back from the Crusaders now.

[Grooter]

@Bovidae bell venturing off to the red & blacks stings almost as bad as Corey Flynn

[macmanus]

@Bovidae George Bell is a great prospect. He’s better than McAlister and Klein

[macmanus]

@SouthernMann Ricky Jackson is playing with Crusaders. He’s first option for Otago. Makalio, Marshall and Ricky would be great for 2023.

[Bones]

@Bovidae said in Highlanders 2022:

Marshall (who replaced Jackson) is the youngest of the current three at 29.

So still significantly younger than the AB hookers?

[macmanus]

[Grooter]

@macmanus 3 Playmakers in the backline Cam, Ajay & Finn