Apart from Holland we can say the rest is NPC focused.
we will roll out a very strong pack.
Other big selection is the return of Finn Hurley.
A bit pissed off from a Highlanders perspective that Timu is preferred over Whaanga. We need him starting at centre.
@smudge said in Otago 2026:
Not awful. Should be a good day on the Molyneux Park embankment.
Forecast is looking perfect for the roast of the day at The Stadium Tav, washing it down with a jug of speights before wandering along for kick off
Paul Dwyer yarns to coach Brown previewing the season and the Shield challenge today. Mentions a few guys who will probably be getting chances during the year. Explains why the Aussie prop came over. Indicates this is probably close to the top team, except for Lam Stodart and Pellegrini.
Otago up 43 - 0 at halftime.
Te Hiwi probably best for Otago. Pack has just marched over Mid-Canterbury.
Holland has been busy. Mid-Canterbury kept throwing to the front and he picked them off.
The biggest ah fuck moment was Finn Hurley coming off after 30 minutes.
@southernmann the first 60mins looked pretty good. It is mid Canterbury but they looked organised and direct.
Even if you take CLW and Holland (and rumour has it Casey), Otago still have a pack that can dominate physically along with a fairly slick backline.
@jimmyb said in Otago 2026:
@southernmann the first 60mins looked pretty good. It is mid Canterbury but they looked organised and direct.
Even if you take CLW and Holland (and rumour has it Casey), Otago still have a pack that can dominate physically along with a fairly slick backline.
Considering the injuries Southland has at the moment, Stag Day could be a tough one for them next Saturday.
The pack is very good. We will probably need to run some mid-sized locks with Timani, Stodart and Irving. Would still back them to win most of their ball. Have a moster of a lad with Mitch Tinnock in the wider squad though.
I reckon we will probably hold onto CLW and Casey. As much as I'd be happy for them to tour.
Our front row should be as good as any at this level. Probably only superseded by what Canterbury might roll out.
The mix of Lam, Mclea, Millar and Pellegrini will be a strong mix in the insides. There is no replacement for Dylan Pledger, however, considering the timing of Lam's signing I think Otago was expecting to be without Pledger anyway this season. Even prior to his injury. Just on Pledger, even if he is ready come the later rounds, I don't want him playing. He returns, there would be pressure to have him tour with the ABs or AB XV. Just have him ready to tear into Super 2027.
As I habe mentioned, despite being with Otago and the Highlanders for four years. This will be Te Hiwi's first campaign as a starting 12. I've got a soft spot for the guy. Hoping he can prove some people wrong and have a strong season. I reckon Nareki might end up forcing his way into the 13 jersey. Which could be good for the Highlanders and bad for Josh Whaanga.
If we are to go far in this competition we need a good injury free run from Finn Hurley. Everyone knows the kid is dynamite. Time for him to turn up and be the best player in the competition. The clash between him and Hutchinson (if he is ready to go) in round two will be a ripper.
Hopefully we can keep the momentum up. I will scratch my initial prediction of us potentially missing the top 8 and have us finishing in the top four.
In sadly unsurprising news.
Finn Hurley can't catch a break and is out for an undefined period with a hamstring injury. Josh Whaanga also out injured for several weeks.
@southernmann fucking hell. What’s this? Almost two complete years on the sideline?
Poor bloke cannot catch a break.
@southernmann really have to question what the fuck the strength and conditioning and medical team are doing. Always get the impression he comes back slightly too early and gets injured.
@jimmyb said in Otago 2026:
@southernmann really have to question what the fuck the strength and conditioning and medical team are doing. Always get the impression he comes back slightly too early and gets injured.
Or he’s just incredibly unlucky and injury prone, which is looking to be very likely at this point.
@landers92 absolutely but a fit young guy shouldn’t be getting injured this consistently. I’m surprised they haven’t gone to surgery and given him 12 months off (unless he’s already had surgery?)
