Highlanders 2026
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@upthelanders said in Highlanders 2026:
@SouthernMann Definitely gonna be a difficult decision for Jamie, I think all three of (Casey, Withy, Lasaqa) need to be in that starting 23 somehow. But then you also have guys like Howden, Haig, Stodart and Broughton who deserve a spot aswell.
What works in Withy’s favour at 7 is that he is a genuine lineout target. Stats may be wrong but Casey hasn’t received a single line out this NPC season and Lasaqa has one.
The big area of concern is the breakdown. We had the worst breakdown in the comp and the loose forward trio plays a big role in that. Howden and Withy were serial offenders in that regard.
Having all three small 7s on the 23 means our breakdown and lineout is going to get shredded, so those three can’t co-exist in the same 23.
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I just hope that JJ doesn’t muck around with guys like Pledger and Casey. These guys are pure talent and need game time straight away.
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@upthelanders I trust he will back them, as we saw last season Lasaqa and Hurley game 1 were asked to provide impact which they did then the following week were rewarded with a start against the blues
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Saw @Steven-Harris pop up on an NPC post om Facebook saying three Super franchises chasing Casey. This will be a shocker if we lose him.
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From today’s ODT article.
‘Casey understood to have signed with Highlanders’
‘The Otago Daily Times understands the openside has inked a deal.
Details of the agreement are unclear — whether it is a full contract or a wider training squad deal, for example — but anyone with eyes can see why the Highlanders have shown interest despite having a full roster of loosies.’Sounds awfully similar to a certain message sent above
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The best thing the Landers can do is just confirm it.
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Is this where we are sitting right now?
- Ethan de Groot (cc)
- Jack Taylor
- Saula Ma’u
- Mitch Dunshea
- Fabian Holland
- TK Howden
- Sean Withy
- Will Stodart
- Folau Fakatava
- Cam Millar
- Jona Nareki
- Timoci Tavatavanawai
- Tanielu Tele’a
- Caleb Tangitau
- Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
- Henry Bell
- Josh Bartlett
- Angus Ta’avao
- Oliver Haig
- Lucas Casey
- Dylan Pledger
- Finn Hurley
- Jake Te Hiwi
(24) Hooker: Soane Vikena
(25-26) Props: Rohan Wingham/Sefo Kautai + 1
(27) Lock: Tomas Lavanini
(28-31) Loose Forwards: Veveni Lasaqa, Nikora Broughton + 2
(32) Halfback: Adam Lennox
(33-34) First Fives: Taine Robinson + Josh Jacomb
(35-36) Midfielders: Josh Whaanga + Thomas Umaga-Jensen
(37-38) Outside Backs: Stanley Solomon, Xavier Tito-HarrisA few thoughts on those wider positions:
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It is possible there is seven props, meaning both Wingham and Kautai are retained. That +1 will regardless be a loosehead in place of DLB
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On the Assumption Hugh Renton is not back, there will definitely be a number eight (Any suggestions here?)
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As well as possibly being a seventh prop, the final forward spot could go to a fourth hooker or a fourth halfback, however it is most likely it'll either be a lock or loose forward (I'm picking it to be a loosie)
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Josh Jacomb is still not a done deal, but obviously if we get him, he will start. The alternative may well be a second-five given the links to Peni and Pasitoa
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Am tipping TUJ will be retained, but it is possible they opt with Pasitoa here
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Given Lennox can in theory play on the wing, I think they will be happy to head into the season with the current outside options.
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@upthelanders That 23, was just to give an idea rather than an out and out best 23... having said that, Ta'avao isn't coming down here to start - he is here to offer some leadership.
Lavanini likewise, but there will be plenty of minutes to go around.
As for Broughton, I get the feeling he isn't rated - and I agree with that. Has failed to kick onto anything - good skills, but he does not have the frame.
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@upthelanders said in Highlanders 2026:
@frugby
Broughton over Stodart any day of the week atm.
Would rather have Ta’avo starting over Ma’u.
We don’t know how good Lavanini is going to be, but surely we didn’t bring him here to not be in the starting 23.No thanks for Ta'avao over Ma'u. Ta'avao can close out games. Ma'u, despite his battles this year is way ahead.
No8 is a complete mystery. There are six or seven lads who can start in the loose. It just depends on the mix Joseph wants.
If we don't land Jacomb. I wouldn't be surprised if we do something different like give Hurley or Solomon a go there. Initially off the bench.
I like the idea of Cooper Roberts. He looks classy.
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Fair points.
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@SouthernMann Agree on Hurley. I am not sure I envisage JJ opting for another first five for the sake of it... are we totally ruling out an SOS to Lima?
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@upthelanders Way too young. He is in the system, and there is zero need to rush him.
good on the other 2 teams being interested because if the shoe was on the other foot and he was up north playing the house down I would hope we would inquire