How do the others rate? Hayden Meikle offers his thoughts.
1 Marino Mikaele-Tu’u: Big No 8 was unstoppable at his peak, but made the decision to head to Japan extremely early.
2 Daniel Lienert-Brown: In the shadow of his All Black brother, but the respected prop has racked up 113 appearances in eight years.
3 Thomas Umaga-Jensen: Heck of a player in full flight, but injuries have slowed his progress.
4 Connor Garden-Bachop: Entering his fourth season and shows flashes of real skill, but has lacked consistency and slipped down the depth chart.
5 Manaaki Selby-Rickit: Copped a suspension after assault conviction, but was developing nicely on the field before heading north.
6 Teariki Ben-Nicholas: Showed promise in 2020-21, but struck disciplinary issues.
7 Christian Lio-Willie: Outstanding for Otago, but only played twice for the Highlanders before defecting to the enemy.
8 Liam Coombes-Fabling: One try in six games as an injury replacement in 2022.
9 Greg Pleasants-Tate: Hard-working reserve hooker in 2016-18.
10 Kemara Hauiti-Parapara: Halfback help during the 2023 injury crisis.
11 Josh Iosefa-Scott: Not the most famous Josh to play for the Highlanders, no.
12 Nehe Milner-Skudder: A fantastic All Black in his prime. That was not his status in one appearance in 2021.
13 Sam Anderson-Heather: Just one game off the bench in 2014.
