Taranaki lock Jarrad Hoeata is believed to be the first of many signings to come to the Dunedin-based franchise, while others are in the pipeline.
With the introduction of franchise direct contracting, players no longer have to wait until the end of the season to find out if they have made the franchise associated with their province, or see if they are in their draft.
Players can go to any franchise, no matter which province they play for, and this has led to many franchises shopping for talent.
Joseph is believed to have an initial list of six players in his sights, and it was reported on Saturday in the Waikato Times that Hoeata, who played for the Chiefs this year, had signed to play for the Highlanders.
Hoeata (27) is a bustling strong loose forward for Taranaki, and Joseph picked him for the New Zealand Maori this year.
He is effectively a straight swap for Otago lock Hayden Triggs, who is heading to the Chiefs.
When contacted yesterday, Joseph said he was talking to players but it was a bit early to confirm signings yet.
A couple more players might be named in the next few days, he said.
The most obvious target for the Highlanders was a first five-eighth and both Canterbury first five-eighth Colin Slade and Bay of Plenty first five-eighth Mike Delany are in the sights of the Highlanders.
Both players have their starting spots blocked at their franchises, and they may want to head south to get more game time.
