![Aaron Smith scoring a try against the Waratahs earlier this year. Photo by Peter McIntosh.](https://www.odt.co.nz/sites/default/files/styles/odt_portrait_medium_3_4/public/story/2016/04/aaron_smith_scoring_a_try_against_the_waratahs_ear_4fa7c91469.jpg?itok=p28k5dK_)
While the Highlanders are deeply involved in the race to make the play-offs in the 2012 season, planning has already begun to what sort of side will run out in Highlanders colours next season.
Fullback Ben Smith has already been locked in, as have key tight forwards Josh Bekhuis, Jarrad Hoeata and captain Jamie Mackintosh.
Highlanders general manager Roger Clark said with Jimmy Cowan heading off shore, Aaron Smith was a big target for the Highlanders.
"He is a big part of the team and will be again next year. He loves it down here and has really enjoyed his time here," Clark said.
"Obviously, with Jimmy leaving, then there is a chance for somebody else to put their hand up. But our No 1 priority is to secure the services of Aaron."
Smith has been talked as a prospective All Black this season, although his form has plateaued in the past couple of weeks.
Clark said winger Hosea Gear was signed for next season but could exercise the right to move overseas.
He was confident that Gear would be playing for the Highlanders if he stayed in New Zealand.
Gear must be a chance to make the All Blacks, and stay in the country, although he has plenty of competition in the outside backs.
Clark said the next couple of months was when more emphasis was placed on signing players for next season.
At the moment about 15 players had signed for next season and would form the basis of the side next year.
He said though the Highlanders always wanted to have a nucleus of players signed to form a side, they also wanted to leave spots open in the 30-man squad so players could impress in the ITM Cup.
"We don't want to sign everyone up and be locked in, as there are always players who put their hand up. But from about now the activity starts to increase."
The Highlanders do deals only up to two years and at this stage Southland hooker Brayden Mitchell is the only rake signed for next season.
Veterans Andrew Hore and Jason Rutledge are on one-year deals and their playing future for next year is still unclear, though they are unlikely to head anywhere else.
Though Clark did not mention any current players who may struggle to get a contract next year, winger Telusa Veainu, fullback Kurt Baker and No 8 Elliot Dixon may not be part of future Highlanders plans.
Midfield back Kendrick Lynn may also look to move offshore.
Lima Sopoaga and Colin Slade, both first five-eighths whose seasons have been ended by injury, are signed for next year, and hope to get back on the paddock.
Much fanfare was made of the signing of Slade but injury had curtailed his two seasons with the Highlanders, although Clark said the former All Black was still determined to get back on to the field for the Highlanders next season.
Clark said Thomson was off contract at the end of the season and had not yet been re-signed.
He said the Highlanders would be keen to keep him, but Thomson's first priority at the moment was to make this year's All Black squad. With the next World Cup three years away, Thomson may look to pick up an overseas contract.
The side was always on the look out for new players but no-one had been signed yet, Clark said.
The Highlanders were linked with Ma'a Nonu last year although nothing come of it. But with the big second five-eighth having an unhappy time in Auckland, he may look to move on.
Nonu has signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union until the end of 2013.