Highlanders 2025

This whole Pledger thing has me thinking about contract renewals because for the first time in a while we have loads of talent actually worth keeping hold of. All very well bringing in new guys, but hard to achieve anything if they don't stick around.

I'd like to see extensions for Holland, Dunshea, Fakatava, Tele'a, JRK, Nareki and Tavatavanawai all secured before we start next season. Reckon the first two will be easy, and JRK at his age should be relatively straight forward too. The others are a bit more complex.

Fakatava's future will depend on how the rest of this year goes... with the rate ABs halfbacks are dropping, he might just get a chance, and if he grasps it, then obviously he is back in the frame and will want to stay. This is however unlikely, and at this stage I expect him to leave at the end of next season as one of the ultimate what if players.

Tele'a is off-contract, so this is a real priority... reckon this is probably a case of no news is good news, because most of the players leaving have their futures sorted by now, so I'd assume they've signed him. Hopefully announced soon.

Nareki and Tavatavanawai will both be 27 when next season starts, so sort of that age for wingers... not sure they'll be in any rush with Tavatavanawai particularly, though he isn't heavily reliant on pace so he might age okay... he himself may want to head off-shore though. Nareki I think has all the ball-playing skills to suggest he could move into centre as he ages, so would be really keen to see him re-signed.

@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:

This whole Pledger thing has me thinking about contract renewals because for the first time in a while we have loads of talent actually worth keeping hold of. All very well bringing in new guys, but hard to achieve anything if they don't stick around.

I'd like to see extensions for Holland, Dunshea, Fakatava, Tele'a, JRK, Nareki and Tavatavanawai all secured before we start next season. Reckon the first two will be easy, and JRK at his age should be relatively straight forward too. The others are a bit more complex.

Fakatava's future will depend on how the rest of this year goes... with the rate ABs halfbacks are dropping, he might just get a chance, and if he grasps it, then obviously he is back in the frame and will want to stay. This is however unlikely, and at this stage I expect him to leave at the end of next season as one of the ultimate what if players.

Tele'a is off-contract, so this is a real priority... reckon this is probably a case of no news is good news, because most of the players leaving have their futures sorted by now, so I'd assume they've signed him. Hopefully announced soon.

Nareki and Tavatavanawai will both be 27 when next season starts, so sort of that age for wingers... not sure they'll be in any rush with Tavatavanawai particularly, though he isn't heavily reliant on pace so he might age okay... he himself may want to head off-shore though. Nareki I think has all the ball-playing skills to suggest he could move into centre as he ages, so would be really keen to see him re-signed.

I'd fully expect one of the wingers to go, if not both. Tavatavanawai has said in a recent article he will re-evaluate after next season. Nareki I reckon will be gone after next year. I reckon Caleb Tangitau is the best winger we have signed since we nabbed Naholo from the Blues. I fully expect he will be the first winger written down by the end of the season. If we lose them both we might see a year with J Whaanga or Hurley as a winger while we wait for Kiseki Fifita, Kyan Rangitutia or Josh Augistine to get up to speed.
WIth halfback, I don't care which one of Arscott ot Fakatava leaves at the end of next year. One just has to for Pledger to come in.
Dunshea needs to be kept around for another couple of years. Josh Tengblad seems like a long-termer to play alongside Holland. He is massive at 2.04M. Will be a couple of years away. Should be getting to play provincial rugby next year. We need Dunshea to be around until Tengblad is ready. Aho is a possibility and so is big Reuben Palmer. Neither of which are over 2M though.
Let's just keep Tele'a on a year by year basis. Midfield is a big problem for us.

Reuben Palmer is "only" 1.97 m tall but he is very beefy. He could make a good combo with Holland.

@cgrant said in Highlanders 2025:

Reuben Palmer is "only" 1.97 m tall but he is very beefy. He could make a good combo with Holland.

Considering Haig and Stodart, who are potentially your 6&8 are 196 and 195. Another out and out 2M lock may not be needed. 4,5,6 and 8 will all be genuine lineout options. Tengblad at 2.04M is still a great long-term option.
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@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:

@cgrant said in Highlanders 2025:

Reuben Palmer is "only" 1.97 m tall but he is very beefy. He could make a good combo with Holland.

Considering Haig and Stodart, who are potentially your 6&8 are 196 and 195. Another out and out 2M lock may not be needed. 4,5,6 and 8 will all be genuine lineout options. Tengblad at 2.04M is still a great long-term option.
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Reckon in Super Rugby having two 2m locks can be a bit of a disadvantage, as the game is a bit quicker, so more mobility is needed (that obviously assumes you don't have two test quality 2m locks)

Certainly not a necessity...

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:

@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:

This whole Pledger thing has me thinking about contract renewals because for the first time in a while we have loads of talent actually worth keeping hold of. All very well bringing in new guys, but hard to achieve anything if they don't stick around.

I'd like to see extensions for Holland, Dunshea, Fakatava, Tele'a, JRK, Nareki and Tavatavanawai all secured before we start next season. Reckon the first two will be easy, and JRK at his age should be relatively straight forward too. The others are a bit more complex.

Fakatava's future will depend on how the rest of this year goes... with the rate ABs halfbacks are dropping, he might just get a chance, and if he grasps it, then obviously he is back in the frame and will want to stay. This is however unlikely, and at this stage I expect him to leave at the end of next season as one of the ultimate what if players.

Tele'a is off-contract, so this is a real priority... reckon this is probably a case of no news is good news, because most of the players leaving have their futures sorted by now, so I'd assume they've signed him. Hopefully announced soon.

Nareki and Tavatavanawai will both be 27 when next season starts, so sort of that age for wingers... not sure they'll be in any rush with Tavatavanawai particularly, though he isn't heavily reliant on pace so he might age okay... he himself may want to head off-shore though. Nareki I think has all the ball-playing skills to suggest he could move into centre as he ages, so would be really keen to see him re-signed.

I'd fully expect one of the wingers to go, if not both. Tavatavanawai has said in a recent article he will re-evaluate after next season. Nareki I reckon will be gone after next year. I reckon Caleb Tangitau is the best winger we have signed since we nabbed Naholo from the Blues. I fully expect he will be the first winger written down by the end of the season. If we lose them both we might see a year with J Whaanga or Hurley as a winger while we wait for Kiseki Fifita, Kyan Rangitutia or Josh Augistine to get up to speed.
WIth halfback, I don't care which one of Arscott ot Fakatava leaves at the end of next year. One just has to for Pledger to come in.
Dunshea needs to be kept around for another couple of years. Josh Tengblad seems like a long-termer to play alongside Holland. He is massive at 2.04M. Will be a couple of years away. Should be getting to play provincial rugby next year. We need Dunshea to be around until Tengblad is ready. Aho is a possibility and so is big Reuben Palmer. Neither of which are over 2M though.
Let's just keep Tele'a on a year by year basis. Midfield is a big problem for us.

Midfield is a big problem, but I think Tele'a to be fair was very good at centre, and easily is the best available option. Need to consider giving these guys contract security too.

Highlanders recruit Cory Brown as new attack coach -
www.stuff.co.nz/sport/350363854/highlanders-recruit-cory-brown-new-attack-coach

@Daffy-Jaffy said in Highlanders 2025:

Highlanders recruit Cory Brown as new attack coach -
www.stuff.co.nz/sport/350363854/highlanders-recruit-cory-brown-new-attack-coach

On the balance of his knowledge, availability and fit. Probably the best option we'd have available. Hope he goes well.

They are grooming Bender... JJ rates him highly as a coach, they just don't want to rush him.

Reckon it is notable that he has moved on from Otago.

I wonder if Faletoi Peni may pop up in pre-season next year and force his way into the playing group. We are short on midfielders who break the gainline and he could be just the ticket. One to watch for the rest of the Sputhland season.

Paul Cullys post on Twitter a few days ago in regards to props that I thought was worth throwing in here. A couple names thrown out there to keep an eye on.

Weekly NPC prop update as Highlanders look for Super recruits.
1 Kershawl Sykes-Martin ( Ta$man). Rugged defender, now playing tighthead. Assuming he hasn’t already been signed by the Crusaders.
2 Benet Kumeroa (Bay of Plenty): Great carrier, explosive, high work rate.

@Landers92 Kumeroa is an interesting option. He has really stood out with his ball-carrying against Waikato and Counties, showing very swift feet. I also really liked how, as soon as more defenders started committing to tackling him, he started giving short passes to his outsides, leading to clean breaks.

The only real but considerable question is his scrummaging. He really struggled in the scrum playing for the Māori against the Japan XV. And while seasoned Super Rugby players like Renata and Rakete-Stones also had their troubles, Kumeroa’s form in the scrum stood out as needing work. His back was always bent rather than being straight and low, and he bound very high, leaving the Japanese loosehead with a lot of body to attack.

If there are issues with the NPC as a comp, it’s probably that obvious flaws like these will rarely be exposed. His opponents in the first two weeks – Norris and Latu – struggled throughout Super Rugby in the scrum, Norris even being dropped for a long time after being worked over by Toomaga-Allen against the Reds. These are not the guys who are going to show whether Kumeroa can hack it at the next level. I’d say there are probably only four looseheads who scrummage at a level representative of the best at Super level: Xavier Numia, Jordan Lay, Tevita Mafileo and Jared Proffit (maybe Hetet as well, but he plays for BOP so can’t serve as a test). It'll be interesting to see how Kumeroa goes against the North Harbour scrum this weekend. I presume it’ll say a lot about his chances of getting a Super contract.

@Mauss interesting insight mate good stuff. The other loose head you’re forgetting is George Bower. It will be interesting to see those 2 go head to head, might learn a thing or 2.

I see he was in the Hurricanes system back in 2023 but didn’t get a cap so a super environment wouldn’t be too foreign to him. Jamie Joseph has a way of getting into these fringe players who are Māori All Blacks ears so hopefully he’s the next.

@Landers92 Yeah, fair call with regards to Bower.

I do hope Kumeroa gets a shot at the next level, his carrying offers a real edge to his game. It might be that he's more suited to the loosehead-side - his binding and positioning in the scrum might be more effective there - but BOP are well set on that side with Ross, Hetet, Bartlett and Seeling while being much less settled on the tighthead-side. So it makes sense that he's starting there at NPC-level.

I think he could be a dynamic option off the bench at the next level, coming on for someone like de Groot at the 60 minute mark.

Can't say Soane Vikena has done anything in the NPC thus far that makes me think he is any better than what we already have... he has been poor for Auckland from what I have seen.

Positives have been the Otago and Southland based Highlanders, as well as Fakatava.

Neither Vikena or Tangitau have shown the capability I was hoping to see during the initial NPC rounds. Jack Taylor has probably been the best of the three hookers we have signed for next year. Withy, Haig, Stodart, Holland, Ma'u, Fakatava, Umaga-Jensen, Hurley, JRK and Tavatavanawai have been great. Really enjoying how some of the lads are dominating and standing out.

@SouthernMann Tangitau has been injured I think?

@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:

@SouthernMann Tangitau has been injured I think?

He played against Wellington and was horrible under the high ball and defensively. Awesome on attack but obviously has plenty to work on to become an all round player.

Semisi Tupou the Stags 8 is a very strong ball carrier although his body frame reminds me more of a hooker

@Grooter Yeah, he's not a tall no.8 but uses his size well and carries hard. He impressed for the NZ U19s on that SA tour.

@Grooter said in Highlanders 2025:

Semisi Tupou the Stags 8 is a very strong ball carrier although his body frame reminds me more of a hooker

Fantastic ball careier. Might be seen as a bit one dimensional. He was an OBHS lad, who ended up down in Southland due to a lack of opportunities at Otago. While Stodart, a Southland lad, via school in Chch is with Otago. I'm sure Tupou will get some good pre-season footy with the Landers. With both Broughton and Stodart being young, there might not be a lot of room at the boot of the scrum.

@Grooter said in Highlanders 2025:

Semisi Tupou the Stags 8 is a very strong ball carrier although his body frame reminds me more of a hooker

If it's the guy I just found on Google, he's marginally taller than Sititi.

It's this guy:

Not to be confused with this guy:

@bobily2 marginally shorter!

Highlanders supposedly chasing a big tighthead prop out of the Brumbies... assuming it is Sefo Kautai.

@frugby Nah, Sefo Kautai has resigned with the Brumbies for 2025. Fred Kaihea is a prop that hasn't got a contract yet. He is New Zealand born too. Off that supposed news, could be him?

@NateHill74 I'd be surprised. I've heard tighthead.

Solomone Tukuafu has signed to go to France, so he won't be coming back. If we miss out on the prop from the Brumbies, we are going to be scraping the barrel for a tighthead.

@frugby Who has he signed for? I wonder what Kennedy Simon will be doing then.

@Bovidae said in Highlanders 2025:

@frugby Who has he signed for? I wonder what Kennedy Simon will be doing then.

Biarritz.

I don't have high hopes in terms of landing an experienced tighthead. We are obviously trying to look under every rock, and most are coming up empty. I think we will probably end up with a player that makes most of us go WTF. A sort of Freddie Burns type player, but at tighthead. On the plus side, a lot of our guys have been having very good NPCs; Fakatava, JRK (needs to go back to FB though), Tavatavanawai, Withy, Holland (when not injured), Haig, Ma'u. Good to see Renton back as well, will be a cracking battle between him, Broughton and Stodart for the 8 jersey. The development of Arscott and Hastie is a concern though.

Interesting times coming up at halfback. Pledger is clearly our most talented player in that possie. Just at the moment he still has the physical make up of a kid straight out of school. Which he is. Hastie is contracted through to the end of 2026, Fakatava through to the end of next season and unsure of Arcsott. Fakatava is now a dominant NPC halfback, who has never quite hit the levels expected. With Perenara leaving, he will be at best the 5th best halfback in NZ next year. Eligibility rules means he will be able to represent Tonga by the end of 2025? Seems likely next year will be his last in NZ. Hopefully that will ensure Pledger has a spot available. With Hastie, Arscott and Pledger in the Otago playing group it will be interesting to see how those three are managed at a provincial level. Do one of Hastie or Arscott get encouraged to go and line up for Southland. It seems redundant to have three Super halfbacks in one provincial squad.
Of the young inexperienced lads we signed to deals on promise like the halfbacks, Te Hiwi, the 10s, Michaels, Haig, Whaanga, Bell (his was more performance based), Taylor etc. Who are one and done players, contract wise and who will be mainstays. Some will be under pressure to show they have the ability to be apart of the playing group going forward. While others will be in demand locally and potentially around the world. Jack Taylor has been the best performing of the three hookers durind the NPC. Bells and Vikena have failed to fire during the NPC. Te Hiwi, the halfbacks, Michaels and Wingham probably have the most to prove. As a prop, Wingham will probably get a bit more time than some of the others. Holland, Haig, the 10s, and Taylor are probably the safest.
With Michaels, I was originally a fan. Now I'm seeing a bit more upside in the likes of Taylor and Casey than him.
Then there is the next group coming through. Kiseki Fifita after his mormon mission finishes. The giant lock Josh Tengblad. The Southland Dunedin Shark Josh Augistine. The second Dutchman Quentin Holland. The final Taylor and Muliaina out of Southland Boys. With limited quality coming out of the south and players recruiting from elsewhere difficult, they need to be very deliverate around who they lock down.

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:

Interesting times coming up at halfback. Pledger is clearly our most talented player in that possie. Just at the moment he still has the physical make up of a kid straight out of school. Which he is. Hastie is contracted through to the end of 2026, Fakatava through to the end of next season and unsure of Arcsott. Fakatava is now a dominant NPC halfback, who has never quite hit the levels expected. With Perenara leaving, he will be at best the 5th best halfback in NZ next year. Eligibility rules means he will be able to represent Tonga by the end of 2025? Seems likely next year will be his last in NZ. Hopefully that will ensure Pledger has a spot available. With Hastie, Arscott and Pledger in the Otago playing group it will be interesting to see how those three are managed at a provincial level. Do one of Hastie or Arscott get encouraged to go and line up for Southland. It seems redundant to have three Super halfbacks in one provincial squad.
Of the young inexperienced lads we signed to deals on promise like the halfbacks, Te Hiwi, the 10s, Michaels, Haig, Whaanga, Bell (his was more performance based), Taylor etc. Who are one and done players, contract wise and who will be mainstays. Some will be under pressure to show they have the ability to be apart of the playing group going forward. While others will be in demand locally and potentially around the world. Jack Taylor has been the best performing of the three hookers durind the NPC. Bells and Vikena have failed to fire during the NPC. Te Hiwi, the halfbacks, Michaels and Wingham probably have the most to prove. As a prop, Wingham will probably get a bit more time than some of the others. Holland, Haig, the 10s, and Taylor are probably the safest.
With Michaels, I was originally a fan. Now I'm seeing a bit more upside in the likes of Taylor and Casey than him.
Then there is the next group coming through. Kiseki Fifita after his mormon mission finishes. The giant lock Josh Tengblad. The Southland Dunedin Shark Josh Augistine. The second Dutchman Quentin Holland. The final Taylor and Muliaina out of Southland Boys. With limited quality coming out of the south and players recruiting from elsewhere difficult, they need to be very deliverate around who they lock down.

Starting with the halfbacks:

• Folau Fakatava: So I've heard, and am taking the story element with a grain of salt, that he sat down with JJ and said he was keen to head offshore if not in the ABs. He was told by JJ he was a shoe-in for the ABs and signed a contract extension (presumably to 2027). Obviously he missed out on the ABs, but I find it hard to believe he didn't have any communication with the coaches. Conceivable to me, that when everything settles down next year he works his way back into the squad should he play well in an improving Highlanders team. I think the way the ABs (and NZ Super sides) like to play is with a quick halfback. Hotham to me looks like Perenara mark two - a great player, but a touch too slow.

• Nathan Hastie: Basically a shit version of Perenara. I had hopes for him, but I'd suggest all those leg injuries have ruined him. Decent pass, great kicking game, but wayyyy too slow.

• Dylan Pledger: Probably already Otago's best halfback, but they'll look to manage him because he is only a kid. If they have to, they'll contract four halfbacks to make room for him from 2026 - 2025 is still a year too early for him at Super level, but no reason why he can't have more involvement for Otago.

• James Arscott: Could in theory remain as a number three? I'm underwhelmed, but a local guy as the third halfback makes a fair bit of sense for me. Of course, there are other good halfbacks around the country who could be worth keeping an eye on.

If Fakatava was to leave in 2026 (he is contracted at this stage as I understand it) then we would need to grab another one + Pledger

Now the rest of the young crop (done in positional order):

• Rohan Wingham: Has actually stepped up for Otago, so good for him. Was chucked into Super way too early, but should be kept on as the number three tighthead (I still see him eventually as a loosehead)

• Jack Taylor: To say he has been the best of the three hookers is probably fair, but not exactly a high bar. Makes the odd eye-catching run, but I think he is limited. I don't see him progressing to being a number one Highlanders hooker.

• Henry Bell: No doubt hasn't hit the heights he did for the Landers, but also I think it should be remembered he went from playing MLR, to starting 16/17 (or whatever it was) games for the Highlanders in his first year at that level. I think it is natural to expect there to be a bit of drop-off, particularly as the vibes with Otago aren't exactly great. Will benefit from the off-season, but to me worthy of an extension

• Soane Vikena: Has played shite. Not exactly boding well. In general this is interesting because Taylor and Vikena are contracted to 2026, and Bell to 2025, but on evidence at SR level, Bell would be one you'd want to keep. I think unless Vikena finds a new gear, we'll be after another hooker in 2026, and the obvious one is going to be George Bell. Will he want to keep sitting idle behind Codie Taylor? Risky business for a young man wanting to be an AB. I could pretty much guarantee though, that a guy is never going to want to replace his brother, so they'd either need to contract four hookers, or chop up Vikena/Taylor's contract. Conceivable that Vikena may look offshore if it went to shit anyway.

• Fabian Holland: Tracking well. Will be an AB end of next year on this trajectory

• Oli Haig: Not sure if I ever mentioned on here, but the ABs selectors were keeping tabs on him during Super. The fact he is available for other countries probably works in his favour. Would not be at all surprised to see him in the EOYT squad.

• Hayden Michaels: Has been injured so hard to comment. Lasaqa likely to be the backup number seven, suspect Jamie wants some dynamic and not sure he is that.

• Will Stodart: Still has some maturing to do, but he is tracking nicely for the Highlanders. Been fair for Otago so far.

• Cam Millar: Asserting himself as the best first five we have, and one of the two best young 10s in the country... just keeps improving

• Ajay Faleafaga: The talent is clearly there, but the performances have been lacking since his great start to SR. I feel like he has been mismanaged by Otago, but then also there is probably not room for both him and Millar at that level. Hopefully he could get a gig playing back up home in the NPC next year, because I don't want to write him off. I do still have my doubts about whether first five is his best spot. Skills are great, but sometimes his decision making and kicking leave a bit to be desired. Really think he could be an interesting midfielder.

• Josh Whaanga: Not a winger really, but he has been very good for Otago. His error-rate is very low, and he gets himself over the gain-line. Lacks top end pace, but no reason why he can't mature into a very solid Super Rugby midfielder

• Jake Te Hiwi: Another one of these numpties who can't stay fit. Hard to get a read on him when he can barely string five games together.

Side note here: Heard Sam Gilbert is looking at a toe injury that could rule him out for the start of the SR season...

• Finn Hurley: Was not a fan, but have come around to him more for Otago this year, because his decision-making has been better. Certainly kicking possession away less. I remain doubtful of him at SR level because of his size, and think if he plays it will be on the wing. Still has some way to go, but the signing is looking better than it did when he was announced

Now the other younger guys coming through:

• The two Otago numbers 7s are miles short of SR level, particularly when there are truckloads of good ones running about for other teams

• Ale Aho needs an extended run at NPC level, but looks like he has the size?

• Won't comment on the likes of Fifita etc. as yet to see them at a decent level, but they'll be keeping tabs for sure.

Side note two: Jona Nareki looking off-shore at the end of 2025... no great surprise, though not confirmed he will go either.

Think that is everything.

I'd find the Fakatava information to be a bit of a weird decision on his behalf. In 2023 it was confirmed he was re-signed until the end of 2025. Strange for him, off the back of a poor 2024, slipping down the pecking order to re-sign for another three years. My bet, based on vibes and no information is gooooone at the end of next year. I'd expect him to be playing for Tonga at the end of next year. Same with Nareki and Fiji. Hastie being slow? You mean speed? I'd say it is probably his only saving grace, apart from his kicking game. He has filled in from time to time in the back three. Hasn't got into the open field very regularly.

On Casey and Taylor. I wasn't meaning I see them as Super players right now. Just that I don't see them as being any worse than an injury prone Michaels. We also have Max Ratcliffe who was the Highlanders U20 player of the year.
I'd hate to write off Faleafaga from Otago now. I also doubt there is space at Auckland for him with all the talent they have. Best he sticks with us. He is still only 21.
I think you have some loyalty to the Bell boys. I don't think there is anything Henry Bell can do that Jack Taylor can't. Taylor is slightly taller, and will fill out more than Bell. He'd be quicker as well. At 25 Bell is 106kg. Taylor's listed as the same right now, and will fill out over the next couple of years. He has a much high ceiling than Bell.

I'd hope Fakatava would hang around. He still makes too many mistakes / poor decisions, but if you're looking for a sniping halfback offloading to forwards to get go-forward around the ruck, he is probably the pick of the NZ halfbacks, and his speed of delivery from the ruck is pretty good.
FF + Ledger would be a really strong combination.

@reprobate said in Highlanders 2025:

I'd hope Fakatava would hang around. He still makes too many mistakes / poor decisions, but if you're looking for a sniping halfback offloading to forwards to get go-forward around the ruck, he is probably the pick of the NZ halfbacks, and his speed of delivery from the ruck is pretty good.
FF + Ledger would be a really strong combination.

The good advice will be saying to leave, if he is the 5th choice NZ halfback. Especially being eligible for Tonga at the end of next year. Of the players rated above him, only Christie is older. He'd be much better off to take the money and have a long career with Tonga internationally. He's also got a young child, and it looked like his partner was up in HB during the Super season.

@frugby said in Highlanders 2025:

• Rohan Wingham: Has actually stepped up for Otago, so good for him. Was chucked into Super way too early, but should be kept on as the number three tighthead (I still see him eventually as a loosehead)

When I first saw him play in the NZ Schools trial he did play LH for his team. BTW, I was really impressed with his effort around the field vs Wellington.

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:

Josh Tengblad.

Interview with Uncle Arthur- JT is 207cm?!

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:

Hastie being slow? You mean speed? I'd say it is probably his only saving grace, apart from his kicking game. He has filled in from time to time in the back three. Hasn't got into the open field very regularly.

So slow to the breakdown. He might be quick once he gets moving, but it's all about ruck speed. No coincidence we looked better when Pledger came on.

I'd hate to write off Faleafaga from Otago now. I also doubt there is space at Auckland for him with all the talent they have. Best he sticks with us. He is still only 21.

Faleafaga needs to be playing. If he goes to Counties for example, it is not writing him off, but at the moment the 10 jersey belongs to Millar.

I don't think there is anything Henry Bell can do that Jack Taylor can't. Taylor is slightly taller, and will fill out more than Bell. He'd be quicker as well. At 25 Bell is 106kg. Taylor's listed as the same right now, and will fill out over the next couple of years.

I never said there wasn't, and I think they can quite easily co-exist as a second and third choice in your squad. My comment was on current evidence. There is a reason why one started as many games as he did.

@SouthernMann said in Highlanders 2025:

@reprobate said in Highlanders 2025:

I'd hope Fakatava would hang around. He still makes too many mistakes / poor decisions, but if you're looking for a sniping halfback offloading to forwards to get go-forward around the ruck, he is probably the pick of the NZ halfbacks, and his speed of delivery from the ruck is pretty good.
FF + Ledger would be a really strong combination.

The good advice will be saying to leave, if he is the 5th choice NZ halfback. Especially being eligible for Tonga at the end of next year. Of the players rated above him, only Christie is older. He'd be much better off to take the money and have a long career with Tonga internationally.

He sacrificed a lot to come to New Zealand though don't forget. He'll want to be an All Black... can take a while to shake off an injury, he has been excellent and accurate for Hawke's Bay. I don't think it is inconceivable he sticks around until 2027, when he will still only be 27. The money for top-end Super players is also a lot better than people realise.