Highlanders 2026
-
-
@Grooter said in Highlanders 2026:
@jimmyb cheers Jimmy, had a sixth sense Cam might be looking abroad when it was revealed on here Jacomb would be coming down for npc too, Haig is interesting heard Jamie is huge on Howden so it will be a good battle for the 6 jersey in the new year
How has Haig been playing?
-
@nostrildamus said in Highlanders 2026:
@Grooter said in Highlanders 2026:
@jimmyb cheers Jimmy, had a sixth sense Cam might be looking abroad when it was revealed on here Jacomb would be coming down for npc too, Haig is interesting heard Jamie is huge on Howden so it will be a good battle for the 6 jersey in the new year
How has Haig been playing?
Haig has been playing well in the back end of the NPC. Took the starting spot off Timani. Had a rough year injury wise and come on well. His problem is he may be pigeonholed in a 19 jersey. Should see plenty of gametime during Super.
Millar's stocks will be high at the moment. Led Otago admirably and will likely get the starting Highlanders jersey next year. This is the best time in his career to go to market. He waits until after Jacomb comes, he may be a bit part player, either featuring off the bench or in occasional starts. This is his best time to get a decent contract for his future.
-
@SouthernMann I guess it depends how good Millar thinks he is. I can't imagine he would command that much more in the UK than he would here.
If given the chance for the Highlanders (which given JJ wasn't a fan is certainly an if), and if he then takes that chance, given the lack of options around the country, he very quickly gets himself into some very silly conversations, so I'd be surprised if he signs away right now.
-
@frugby said in Highlanders 2026:
@SouthernMann I guess it depends how good Millar thinks he is. I can't imagine he would command that much more in the UK than he would here.
If given the chance for the Highlanders (which given JJ wasn't a fan is certainly an if), and if he then takes that chance, given the lack of options around the country, he very quickly gets himself into some very silly conversations, so I'd be surprised if he signs away right now.
He may not get much more financially. His game however, is much more suited to playing in some tough conditions in the middle of a northern winter. Compared to a southern hemisphere competition than runs from the end of Feb for 16 weeks on hard grounds. Not saying all of his best games, but the majority have certainly come in some horrendous conditions. The kid from Gore who plays for Taieri doesn't mind some rain and mud.
-
he might also think he will get a longer career in the NH, in NZ poeple will always want "the next DC" and so some young bloke coming through showing promise could easily overtake him...where his game plan might be more appreciated up there
-
@Kiwiwomble Oh for sure. And despite Millar's excellent NPC, it came with the caveat, that he still didn't really break the line from first receiver, which as you say is what we look for in this country.
Having said that, if he can bring that into his game (I don't know that he can) he is pushing an international level first five, because his kicking game, when he is playing with confidence is probably unparalleled.
You'll know his ceiling after this Super Rugby campaign, so given he is only 23, I hope he does at least wait for this season to review things.
-
@Grooter said in Highlanders 2026:
@jimmyb cheers Jimmy, had a sixth sense Cam might be looking abroad when it was revealed on here Jacomb would be coming down for npc too, Haig is interesting heard Jamie is huge on Howden so it will be a good battle for the 6 jersey in the new year
I got this information from someone I know who’s in the player manager space, not the team. Apparently a few players who aren’t particularly impressed with Joseph are also looking to jump ship domestically next season as well.
I’d be disappointed if Howden was automatically persisted with. I personally don’t particularly rate him and he lacks the core skills of a 6 that Haig has. But let’s see what happens next season. Got 4 months to panic about it between now and then!
-
@jimmyb got any oil on who? My assumption would be that it's guys Derms rated that JJ hasn't who weren't off contract this year. So immediately my mind goes to Bell, Wingham, Michaels, Broughton, Te Hiwi and Millar.
About half of whom I wouldn't be upset to loose. Bell we could probably swap out for Ioane Moanu, though I'd probably prefer to drop Vikenna and keep Bell. Broughton to me just hasn't excelled at this level yet. Michaels has been a no go, and Te Hiwi the jury is out for
However I'd be gutted to Loose Wingham and Millar. I think both have high ceilings.
-
The guys I could see it be would be lads like Hurley, Stodart or Haig. Potentially miffed about being pushed with injuries. Or played when not ready or played out of position.
I'd be disappointed if either the players or JJ can't work through issues with interpersonal relationships.
Here is my list of contract lengths.
Ending 2026
Millar
Haig
Te Hiwi
Vikena
Hurley
Taylor
Bell
Stodart
Robinson
Howden
Ta'avao
Dunshea
Knewstubb?
LavaniniEnding 2027
Whaanga
Fakatava
Tavatananawai
Nareki?
Lasaqa
De Groot
Solomon
Pledger
Casey
Tito-HarrisEnding 2028
JRK
Tangitau
Holland
Tengblad
Jacomb from 2026Unknown
Tele'a (two years will run out 25)
Wingham (two years will run out 25)
Ma'u
Withy
Bartlett (two years will be to 26)
Lennox (through to 27 is two years).
Broughton
Kautai (two years to 26) -
@jimmyb said in Highlanders 2026:
@Grooter said in Highlanders 2026:
I’d be disappointed if Howden was automatically persisted with. I personally don’t particularly rate him and he lacks the core skills of a 6 that Haig has.Lol what. I can tell you that TK is rated within NZ circles. Theres a reason he was called into the pre French series camp and is with the AB XV. He was pretty damn good in a poor side last season.
Having him and Haig is a good problem to have. You could even add Stodart into the mix. It’s rare for any loose forward in super to not miss time due to injury along with player rotation. All the good teams have had quality loose forward depth over the years. It always works itself out.
-
@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2026:
@jimmyb said in Highlanders 2026:
@Grooter said in Highlanders 2026:
I’d be disappointed if Howden was automatically persisted with. I personally don’t particularly rate him and he lacks the core skills of a 6 that Haig has.Lol what. I can tell you that TK is rated within NZ circles. Theres a reason he was called into the pre French series camp and is with the AB XV. He was pretty damn good in a poor side last season.
Having him and Haig is a good problem to have. You could even add Stodart into the mix. It’s rare for any loose forward in super to not miss time due to injury. All the good teams have had quality loose forward depth over the years. It always works itself out.
Not that we have space for him, but I'd be very pleased to see him at the Chiefs. I actually wonder why one of those three hasn't been a target for a team like the Blues.
-
-
@Landers92 said in Highlanders 2026:
@jimmyb said in Highlanders 2026:
@Grooter said in Highlanders 2026:
I’d be disappointed if Howden was automatically persisted with. I personally don’t particularly rate him and he lacks the core skills of a 6 that Haig has.Lol what. I can tell you that TK is rated within NZ circles. Theres a reason he was called into the pre French series camp and is with the AB XV. He was pretty damn good in a poor side last season.
Having him and Haig is a good problem to have. You could even add Stodart into the mix. It’s rare for any loose forward in super to not miss time due to injury. All the good teams have had quality loose forward depth over the years. It always works itself out.
It’s ok to have an opinion on a player. I don’t think I expressed it particularly negatively?
Every man and his dog that was in that ABs was in that squad. Looking at the names I’m not entirely sure that means a whole lot. I could also say the same about Haig pre injury (joined the squad in Japan and was in the XV), and from what I gather , he’s just as well regarded. I’ve rated the kid since school 1st XV and I’ll continue to bang that drum until I see good evidence not to.
My issue with Howden is that he was part of a loose forward trio that was probably the worst in the comp around the ruck last season. He also is prone to some fairly lazy defense this NPC season.
I see Haig as having a far higher ceiling and I don’t think that’s a particularly controversial take.
-
@Bones said in Highlanders 2026:
Yeah that's a bit of a head scratcher thinking Howden is a bit shit. He was probably the best forward on the park for the landers for at least a couple of games.
I don’t think he’s shit at all. But I don’t rate him as highly.
-
@Bones said in Highlanders 2026:
@jimmyb yeah Haig has been a superstar in the making for probably 3 years now, I definitely don't see what the hype is about there. Only caught a bit of NPC, but what I did see didn't impress much. Kinda a less busy Blackadder.
Haig had one very good year in 2024. Either side of that he made his NPC debut and was injured. I don’t think anyone has been claiming he’s a super star. But I think reasonably so he’s seen as having a lot of potential. He’s the only homegrown Otago player that was in the NZ school boys teams, u20s and AB XV year on year. I think there was a reason for that
-
@Bones said in Highlanders 2026:
@jimmyb think there's another highlanders supporter in the Haig fan club that talked him up.
I’m talking him up cause I’m an ex OBs boy and I like him. Ofc I think he needs to improve but I think he has a lot of potential. I don’t think I’m being particularly militant about it
-
From what I heard a few of the fringe players felt a little bit marginalised, but I suspect part of that was more to do with JJ being a very different style of coach to Dermody.
In theory, having a more organised B Comp should help with morale, though performances need to be rewarded.
JJ definitely has his favourites (as do all coaches), and TK Howden is one of those - there is no secret in that - but that doesn't mean Haig isn't rated. He was rated high enough that they felt the need to rush him back (and that just fucked him really).
There will be some real selection dilemmas in the loose forwards, but injuries will play a part, and we do need a battery of them. If you can get Haig, Howden, Stodart, Withy & Casey (find a way to get him in the full squad) firing for the most part of the season, we will be better for it.
