Hookers
None of the three veterans in the squad has really demanded selection, although Andrew Makalio has a physical presence and has started nine games to two each for Rhys Marshall and Leni Apisai. Makalio seems the likeliest to be kept.
Under-20s star Jack Taylor made his debut off the bench this year and will presumably graduate to a full contract. And there will be much interest in how the massively improved Henry Bell returns from Major League Rugby.
Props
The easiest selection of all. All Blacks loosehead Ethan de Groot and under-rated tighthead Jermaine Ainsley are both on contract and will be your 2024 starters. Young back-up Saula Ma’u will still be around, Luca Inch might be finally injury-free, and there will be much interest in the development of Otago prop Rohan Wingham.
Locks
Dutch dynamo Fabian Holland has one spot locked up, and Will Tucker has done reasonably well this year. But Pari Pari Parkinson did not have the season he wanted, it seems likely Josh Dickson will head overseas and Max Hicks is seen as more of a blindside. Need the NPC to throw up a new lock or two.
Loose forwards
Shannon Frizell leaves a big hole, but a trio of captain Billy Harmon, unexpected star Hugh Renton and Sean Withy deserves respect. Marino Mikaele-Tu’u still has a lot to offer, Nikora Broughton is a nice project, and youngsters Oliver Haig and Hayden Michaels step up to full contracts. James Lentjes will be 33 next year and might be looking further afield.
Halfbacks
Folau Fakatava, James Arscott and Nathan Hastie. Signed and sealed.
First fives
Cameron Millar seems likely to be the regular starter. Mitch Hunt’s future is uncertain, Freddie Burns is heading to Japan and Marty Banks will presumably not be offered another contract. New Zealand under-20 squad member Ajay Faleafaga needs some NPC experience.
Midfield
Josh Timu and Thomas Umaga-Jensen have both had injury issues but their combination shows promise, and they should get another crack. Rising star Jake Te Hiwi gets a full contract. Fetuli Paea had a run of starts without quite convincing, and Scott Gregory was limited to a couple of games on the wing. Ideally, the Highlanders could be in the market for someone like Jack Goodhue, whose future at the Crusaders is uncertain.
Outside backs
Sam Gilbert (unless the midfield project becomes permanent), Jona Nareki and Jonah Lowe - there is a decent back three. Argentine winger Martin Bogado is back for a second year, but Mosese Dawai and Vilimoni Koroi might be done. Connor Garden-Bachop’s flashes of excitement need considering, but the Highlanders will again be watching the NPC closely for any emerging stars. Could under-utilised Crusaders fullback Chay Fihaki be a target? Could the Highlanders follow the Crusaders’ lead and raid Moana Pasifika for winger Timoci Tavatavanawai? Is Finn Hurley ready?
