The king might be back but he has not made radical changes — yet — to his kingdom.
Joseph yesterday named a Highlanders squad for the first time since 2016, and while 10 new players out of 38 sounds like a lot, it is actually on the low side for recent seasons.
Broadly speaking, Joseph has waved farewell to some fringe players, clearly targeted physicality and workrate in his recruitment in a couple of positions, and kept faith in most of the younger generation blooded by previous coach Clarke Dermody.
"It’s really exciting for me to come back and coach again," Joseph said yesterday.
"We’ve got a lot of young players and that’s always motivation for a coach who has been away from New Zealand for a while.
"There’s also a good foundation of experienced players. We’ve had a good crop of our academy players coming through and bearing fruit, guys who are maturing into seasoned professionals."
Joseph’s no-nonsense approach, honed through delivering the Highlanders’ only title in 2015 then overperforming with Japan, is a known quantity.
It is clear there will be no place to hide for the players, and no lack of expectation placed on the shoulders of even the youngest men, in the coming years.
"No matter what team I’ve been part of as a coach, there’s always high expectation around personal performance.
"I get excited when I watch some of the younger guys coming through and the potential they have. It’s fair to say they haven’t reached that potential.
"We’ve got an experienced coaching team so I guess it’s our job to try to find a way to turn that potential into a bit of reality."
Three of the rookies — young midfielder Josh Whaanga, speedy winger Michael Manson and rugged loose forward Lui Naeata — played in the NPC for Otago and Southland.
Of the others, the Highlanders had already announced the signings of ex-Blues Caleb Tangitau and Soane Vikena and Bay of Plenty flanker Veveni Lasaqa.
The major talking points are at prop, lock and first five.
Joseph has recruited two big boppers, Sefo Kautai and Josh Bartlett, from Australian Super Rugby sides but both are New Zealanders.
Kautai, an ideal replacement at tighthead for the departed Jermaine Ainsley, impressed in his time at the Brumbies, while Bay of Plenty prop Bartlett had a handful of appearances for the Force.
"I think we’re fortunate to get that experience," Joseph said.
"We’ve still got the enthusiasm of Rohan [Wingham], but having someone like Sefo come into our group is a real advantage for us.
"It also allows us to keep on developing Saula [Ma’u] and not over-relying on him. Just getting that depth is critical."
Unusually, there are just two specialist locks — Fabian Holland and Mitch Dunshea — named in the squad following the departures of Max Hicks (France), Pari Pari Parkinson (Japan) and Will Tucker (Hurricanes).
Cover in the second row appears to be provided only by Oliver Haig and Will Stodart and Joseph highlighted the importance of versatility in his squad.
Tasman first five Taine Robinson, 25, has had preseason experience with the Crusaders.
He will compete with incumbent Cameron Millar and Ajay Faleafaga for the Highlanders No 10 jersey but, crucially, can cover fullback, where the Highlanders have the exciting Finn Hurley but are otherwise a little light while Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens is sidelined.
Robinson was heading to Major League rugby when he got a late call from the Highlanders.
Naeata is a surprise addition to the bulging loose forward squadron.
The 30-year-old Tongan has years of experience in the Japanese league and shapes as a Joseph-type of player with his physical approach.
TK Howden comes south from the Hurricanes and offers even more versatility and skill in the loose.
There is a look of stability about the backs, where Thomas Umaga-Jensen returns from injury to bolster the midfield.
Manson is an intriguing newcomer and it will be interesting to see if his nuclear pace can find a home at a higher level.
Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens is named in the squad but his return is unclear as he recovers from a broken neck.
"It’s a horrible injury," Joseph said.
"At the very best, it will be six months. His attitude is that he will be back."
Highlanders winger Timoci Tavatavanawai is still recovering from the knee injury he suffered playing for Tasman in the NPC but he should be fine in the New Year.
Joseph has not decided who will captain his side with Billy Harmon having moved to Japan.
He did label All Blacks prop Ethan de Groot "the natural choice" but also pointed out the demands of test rugby could make it difficult to also captain a Super club.
The Highlanders will finalise a wider training group and hope to reward some local players, one of whom is likely to be New Zealand under-20 halfback Dylan Pledger.
Joseph is a familiar face but there is a sense of a fresh start at the Highlanders as they are doing major redevelopment work to their headquarters and Cory Brown has joined the coaching staff.
The Highlanders assemble on November 28 and have preseason games locked in against Moana Pasifika (Auckland, January 31) and the Crusaders (Invercargill, February 6).
