Highlanders 2024: filling in the gaps

Young Otago backs Jake Te Hiwi (with ball) and Ajay Faleafaga will tomorrow be named in the Highlanders. PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

The Highlanders unveil their squad tomorrow, and while most of the contracts have long been in place, there should still be a new face or three. Hayden Meikle does his best to fill in the gaps.

Hookers

The position of greatest change at the Highlanders as veterans Andrew Makalio, Rhys Marshall and Leni Apisai have all been let go.

Rookie rakes Henry Bell (Otago) and Jack Taylor (Southland) have been signed, leaving one place up for grabs.

It is understood the Highlanders were keen to sign Taranaki hooker Bradley Slater, but he appears to be staying with the Chiefs.

There does not seem to be much point investing in an overseas hooker just to be one of three options, so expect to see Otago reserve Ricky Jackson — who already has Super Rugby experience — in the squad.

Props

Ethan de Groot, Jermaine Ainsley and Saula Ma’u — now there is a good start.

The ageless Daniel Lienert-Brown and Ayden Johnstone will return, while Luca Inch will be eager to stay healthy after completing an NPC campaign for Tasman, albeit largely on the bench.

Jeff Thwaites has gone so there is a place to fill. And while there are always some solid fill-in options around the country, it would be a shame if rising Otago star Rohan Wingham was not given a chance. Or could there be a fairytale rise for Stags veteran Morgan Mitchell?

Locks

This looked straightforward but we hear there are complications.

Josh Dickson has gone to Japan — and leaves a big hole, though he did not play regularly in 2023 due to personal circumstances.

The Highlanders signed former Crusaders lock Mitchell Dunshea on a two-year deal but he suffered a ruptured Achilles in an NPC game and could miss the entire Super Rugby season.

There is also some talk Will Tucker could have a niggle.

Pari Pari Parkinson, Fabian Holland and Max Hicks are strong options, but there will need to be another lock in the mix.

Josh Hill has Super Rugby experience. Or could the Highlanders get some more juice out of a Hawke’s Bay lock, either Tom Parsons or Geoff Cridge?

Loose forwards

You would expect seven to be named, and it would appear that seven is well set as the Highlanders had to move early to replace departing veterans Shannon Frizell, James Lentjes and Marino Mikaele-Tu’u.

Star men Billy Harmon and Hugh Renton will again be joined by Sean Withy and Nikora Broughton.

Young fellows Oliver Haig and Hayden Michaels have been given contracts, and there will be another former Crusader in the form of Tom Sanders.

Taranaki outside back Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens is joining the Highlanders.

It is too soon for Otago prospect Will Stodart, and there probably just isn’t room for Stags player of the year Blair Ryall.

Halfbacks

Aaron Smith has gone. There will be tears for a while yet.

There will be no surprises here as the Highlanders retain the dynamic Folau Fakatava and the reliable James Arscott, and have added exciting Otago halfback Nathan Hastie.

First fives

Another area of real change as No 1 option Mitch Hunt, English import Freddie Burns and veteran Marty Banks have departed.

Cam Millar is back for a second campaign and there will be huge interest in his development if he can have better luck with injuries.

Ajay Faleafaga is a prospect who can also cover 12, while Welsh veteran Rhys Patchell comes in to play the senior professional role performed so well by Burns this year.

Midfielders

Questions — lots of questions.

Fetuli Paea and Scott Gregory have gone, and Thomas Umaga-Jensen is going to be out for a chunk of the season after having knee surgery.

Josh Timu is back but has just missed the entire NPC, and Jake Te Hiwi is contracted but is still very inexperienced at the top level.

The other wildcard is whether Sam Gilbert, who was excellent in 2023 in a variety of positions, will effectively be converted into a permanent midfield back.

One or two new faces will be named. It is probably too soon for Otago rookie Josh Whaanga but it would be nice to see older brother Matt rewarded for his efforts and reliability for the Stags.

Levi Aumua (Moana Pasifika to Crusaders) and Billy Proctor (Hurricanes to Rebels) would have been welcome additions had they not chosen alternative destinations.

There is some talk Blues midfielder Tanielu Tele’a could be interested in a fresh start in the South, while Taranaki midfielder Meihana Grindlay could be a contender.