Willie Ripia
It would be a return home for Ripia, as he played for the Highlanders in 2006, coming off the bench for one game. His career took a sad turn when he admitted to a gambling addiction after being dismissed by the Force, but he is making a return this season with Bay of Plenty.
Went on the Maori tour last year under Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph. Is a good goal-kicker and has experience at this level, having played 37 Super rugby games. About to turn 28.
Hayden Cripps
Everyone else from Tasman seems to be making their way to the Highlanders so why not the young first five? Was a promising player in the Wellington area but made the trip across the ditch. Not a bad runner and can also slot the odd goal. Won't lack for company.
Nick Evans
The poise, the speed off the mark, the sheer ability to beat a man with one step. Evans was a magic player and, although he missed more games through injury than he played, surely he would be fit enough to last a season. Just imagine him setting the backline alight.
Might have become a better player in the eyes of Highlanders fans since he left. Realistically, Evans coming back from a huge deal in England is about as likely as Kim Dotcom playing centre forward for Real Madrid.
Cameron McIntyre
Left for overseas way too early as he was frustrated with the queue ahead of him. Displayed some silky skills for the Highlanders and Canterbury but France beckoned. Is now in Japan with NEC, under former Highlanders coach Greg Cooper. And we all know how much the Highlanders love the Japanese connection.
Stephen Donald
The script was written perfectly. So good, it is going to be a movie. The World Cup hero has left Bath, where he was less than spectacular, and moved on to Japanese rugby.
Wouldn't it be perfect for Donald to come back to where he was at his best, at Super 15 level? Running the cutter on the hard turf of Forsyth Barr Stadium would be right up his alley. Kicked more than he missed. Good bloke, too.
Benji Marshall
Everyone loves a project and Marshall is one of the best. A bloke who has torn it up at the highest level of league surely must make an impact in the Super 15. The Blues are courting him but why would he go there when he can have lots more fun in sunny Dunedin?
His style would suit the possession-based Highlanders, who do not rely a lot on kicking. He could weave his magic at Forsyth Barr Stadium. Maybe shake some of those millions out of a retired jeweller or two up in Queenstown and make it happen.