Highlanders 2022

[Stargazer]

Highlanders wrap up 2022 season with annual awards

2022 HIGHLANDER’S AWARD RECIPIENTS:

Dunedin City Motors Fan Player – Thomas Umaga-Jensen

Forward of the Year – Jermaine Ainsley

NZME Back of the Year – Thomas Umaga-Jensen

Defender of the Year – James Lentjes

Speight’s Players’ Player – Thomas Umaga-Jensen

University of Otago U20 Player of the Year – Fabian Holland

Rookie of the Year – Saula Ma’u

Pulse Energy Player of the Year – Marino Mikaele-Tu’u

Highlander Man – James Lentjes

[Grooter]

@Stargazer saw the photo of TUJ holding his awards so hopefully he's good to go for Otago!

[African Monkey]

@FakatavaFuture Tony Brown made a play for him before the 2021 season and thought he was gonna get him too but Lam said no. Think Brown was quite gutted not to land him too.

[Nepia]

@Stargazer So MMT was their MVP but not forward of the year? TUJ seem to win everything else going.

[Grooter]

In today's ODT there's an article about the 7 highlander under 20's in the NZ side, seems as tho Noah Hotham has indeed signed with the crusaders, he'll be in the crusaders 23 each week next season so I understand it..

[Chris]

@FakatavaAllBlack said in Highlanders 2022:

In today's ODT there's an article about the 7 highlander under 20's in the NZ side, seems as tho Noah Hotham has indeed signed with the crusaders, he'll be in the crusaders 23 each week next season so I understand it..

I did tell you

[SouthernMann]

It is disappointing, but understandable from a playing perspective. With such a shallow playing pool it is disappointing to see talented players leave the area. Hopefully we can bat off the Crusaders with Lio-Willie. I don't have a lot of faith in the 'Landers at the moment. A lot of failings with player development.

[Crucial]

Are we still hoping for PUJ to join his brother and mate CGB?

[Bovidae]

Waikato/Chiefs are in the same situation with halfbacks. I would have loved to see Hotham stay but we have Roe and Ratima, who aren't much older than Noah. Letting Hotham go to Ta$man last year was Otago's first mistake, but he would only be the 3rd option at the Highlanders until Smith leaves.

[SouthernMann]

@Crucial said in Highlanders 2022:

Are we still hoping for PUJ to join his brother and mate CGB?

The latest I have been told by someone up here (live in Wellington as a bureaucratic paper shuffler) is it is still 50/50. He knows it is good for his rugby to move, but really likes the lifestyle he has in Wellington.

[Higgins]

@SouthernMann So he should too. Imagine getting paid decent money to be a rugby player without actually having to go through the hassle of playing. Shame on you Mr. Holland.

[Kiwiwomble]