Colin Slade signs with Highlander

[nickdnz]

I agree about Meeuws, how good has he looked this season! It'd be a fitting way to give him his retirment.

 

[kodi2114]

israel dagg was the highlanders last year they are buggered

 

[Shaggy]

Looks like the highlanders have secured/retained Adam Thomson according to the Radio sports site

"Otago flanker Adam Thomson has confirmed he'll stick with the Highlanders for the first year of the Super 15.

Otago flanker Adam Thomson has confirmed his commitment to the Highlanders for the 2011 Super 15.

Thomson's services have been highly sort after, with a move to the Crusaders heavily touted.

But he's sticking with the southern franchise under new coach Jamie Joseph.

Christchurch-born Thomson debuted for the Highlanders against the Sharks in 2004.

He has 39 Super Rugby caps and 17 test caps."

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Probably Anesi or Stowers will be going down south, I'd imagine...

 

[Amobokoboko]

Slade is a very good player and will help the Highlanders to get higher on the table next season.
Thompson wanting to move to the Crusaders , I don't know what to think.
Or he wants to win a Super rugby ***le or he's ambitious to get back in the black jersey.
In both scenarios it makes more sense to stick in the Highlanders squad as I'm not sure he will get that much playing time for the Crusaders.
And I didn't find him that good when he was in the EOYT 2009

 

[Haysie]

Bates when you post it takes up half a bloody page.

From what I've seen of Colin in the S14 the last two years and tonight, it seems like it's definitely a good acquisition for the Highlanders.

 

[Amobokoboko]

Sorry mate, you're right.
Will drop some elements of my sig.
But I fully agree with you on Slade.

 

[Haysie]

Sorry mate, didn't mean to make it sound like I was having a go at you! I'm a bit shitty cause we lost to the Kiwis remember
It's up to you really how big you want your sig to be - none of my business!

 

[Amobokoboko]

All gud mate,

Just restyled it a bit. Does the trick as well.
I actually think you will have a great EOYT, you played really well against NZ and SA so it will be promising.

 

[Darwin]

Some more great news for the Highlanders, with Nasi Manu confirming he has signed for 2 years: (http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/itm-cup-heartland-championship/4162605/Crusaders-losing-Manu-Isaac-Ross-may-follow)

He is one of the most promising young loose-forwards in the country, but seems to have had a number injury problems - if he can stay fully fit I'd expect him to start at number 8 for the Highlanders. The loose-forward stocks in the Highlanders region look very strong now - I'd expect Hoeata, Crosswell, Thomson, Hardie, Soakai, and Manu to be the six loosies in the squad, meaning talented players like Tim Boys and Elliot Dixon would miss out (though the may include Boys or Dixon if they plan of playing Hoeata primarily as lock).

I'm really liking the way the Highlanders squad for next year is developing thus far!

 

[nickdnz]

Some more great news for the Highlanders, with Nasi Manu confirming he has signed for 2 years: (http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/itm-cup-heartland-championship/4162605/Crusaders-losing-Manu-Isaac-Ross-may-follow)

He is one of the most promising young loose-forwards in the country, but seems to have had a number injury problems - if he can stay fully fit I'd expect him to start at number 8 for the Highlanders. The loose-forward stocks in the Highlanders region look very strong now - I'd expect Hoeata, Crosswell, Thomson, Hardie, Soakai, and Manu to be the six loosies in the squad, meaning talented players like Tim Boys and Elliot Dixon would miss out (though the may include Boys or Dixon if they plan of playing Hoeata primarily as lock).

I'm really liking the way the Highlanders squad for next year is developing thus far!

The signing are good, but their backline still doesn't inspire any real fear. There are so many wingers out there looking for a franchise, the Highlanders could become a realy force in this years S15. Think about this -

1. Jamie Mackintosh
2. Jason Rutledge
3. Kees Meeuws (that's right, I'd still put him in).
4. Tom Donnelly
5. Josh Bekhuis
6. Adam Thompson
7. Croswell
8. Nasi Manu
9. Jimmie Cowan
10. Colin Slade
11.
12. Tana Umaga (He should be snapped up and signed!)
13. Ben Smith
14.
15. Robbie Robinson.

They need to sign Umaga and two quality wings. Otherwise I can't see the Highlanders finishing the way they should. Look at Taranaki. Always have had a very good forward pack, but with players like Baker (I'd think he'd be a good signing) and Andre Taylor, they've really become much better.

Anyone know any backliners that the are open to being signed? The Cheifs can't take all of their backline, so I'd presume at least one or two of them would be up for grabs. I'd also like to see Baker in the Highlanders. And when I say "anyone" I mean darwin_23 and ranger.

 

[Darwin]

The signing are good, but their backline still doesn't inspire any real fear. There are so many wingers out there looking for a franchise, the Highlanders could become a realy force in this years S15. Think about this -

1. Jamie Mackintosh
2. Jason Rutledge
3. Kees Meeuws (that's right, I'd still put him in).
4. Tom Donnelly
5. Josh Bekhuis
6. Adam Thompson
7. Croswell
8. Nasi Manu
9. Jimmie Cowan
10. Colin Slade
11.
12. Tana Umaga (He should be snapped up and signed!)
13. Ben Smith
14.
15. Robbie Robinson.

They need to sign Umaga and two quality wings. Otherwise I can't see the Highlanders finishing the way they should. Look at Taranaki. Always have had a very good forward pack, but with players like Baker (I'd think he'd be a good signing) and Andre Taylor, they've really become much better.

Anyone know any backliners that the are open to being signed? The Cheifs can't take all of their backline, so I'd presume at least one or two of them would be up for grabs. I'd also like to see Baker in the Highlanders. And when I say "anyone" I mean darwin_23 and ranger.

Interestingly there are a number of rumors going round that Meeuws will indeed make himself available for the Highlanders this year - if he does he will certainly be selected. Umuga would be a great player to have to help develop young Shaun Treeby, and would be the ultimate player to help Ben Smith develop his skills in a midfield back.

I'd love to get Andre Taylor, but I'm pretty sure the Canes will grab him again - I think his playing style would really complement either Gear or Savea, if either of the those two got injured. To be honest I'm not sure as to which wings are not yet signed up for a franchise, but I've heard from a pretty reliable source that Sherwin Stowers is very close to signing with the Highlanders. As long as we don't sign David Smith I will be happy

 

[ranger]

Interestingly there are a number of rumors going round that Meeuws will indeed make himself available for the Highlanders this year - if he does he will certainly be selected. Umuga would be a great player to have to help develop young Shaun Treeby, and would be the ultimate player to help Ben Smith develop his skills in a midfield back.

I'd love to get Andre Taylor, but I'm pretty sure the Canes will grab him again - I think his playing style would really complement either Gear or Savea, if either of the those two got injured. To be honest I'm not sure as to which wings are not yet signed up for a franchise, but I've heard from a pretty reliable source that Sherwin Stowers is very close to signing with the Highlanders. As long as we don't sign David Smith I will be happy

I think George Pisi could be a good buy. The Highlanders are still lacking a big body to bosh it up and straighten the line from time to time, and i think Pisi is their man. Hes stacked the muscle on and is now over 100kg, while still being very nimble on his feet. Hes a bone fide utility that can play anywhere from 11-15, so they could use him on the wing if they needed.

Also, looking at the Crusaders squad i can only see one open spot for a back on their roster. Rumour has it that one of the Marshall brothers is being looked at very closely for a spot, which would leave Telusa Veainu open to offers. He can make things happen with ball in hand but he also doesn't make too many mistakes and that's just what the Highlanders need from their backs.

 

[markshaw]

stowers definatly

 

[nickdnz]

Sherwin Stowers would be a great sign. He has done the try of the year in my opinion, and he's be a great edition to the team. I've never really been convinced by George Pisi. He's solid, but hardly a first choice winger for a Super franchise.

 

[Darwin]

I think George Pisi could be a good buy. The Highlanders are still lacking a big body to bosh it up and straighten the line from time to time, and i think Pisi is their man. Hes stacked the muscle on and is now over 100kg, while still being very nimble on his feet. Hes a bone fide utility that can play anywhere from 11-15, so they could use him on the wing if they needed.

Also, looking at the Crusaders squad i can only see one open spot for a back on their roster. Rumour has it that one of the Marshall brothers is being looked at very closely for a spot, which would leave Telusa Veainu open to offers. He can make things happen with ball in hand but he also doesn't make too many mistakes and that's just what the Highlanders need from their backs.

Pisi is interesting - he was a really elusive fullback a few years ago, but after bulking up he seems to have lost a lot of his elusiveness (though I haven't watched that many Taranaki games this year). I think he's actually a more solid player now, and he's got a good chance of getting Super 15 contract with one of the NZ franchises. However, the fact he's no longer NZ eligible may mean franchises will be less likely to pick him, given the Pacific Island nations will be involved in the Pacific Nations Cup in June while the Super 15 is still on. I'm assuming the Super 15 franchises will have priority for the players (as the NZRFU are paying the players wages), however I'm sure Pisi will really want to be playing for Samoa, so they can push for a RWC squad.

I've been impressed by Veainu - he seems quite elusive, and does seem to do the basics right. The only concerns the selectors may have about him is his size (or lack thereof). I've also heard that Kade Poki is being targetted by the Highlanders - while he's a good elusive player that is capable of playing both centre and wing, he is another small player and, like you, I feel the Highlanders really need to add some bigger more physical backs. I've actually been really impressed by Jason Hona over the last few weeks, and wonder whether he may be another player they may consider.

 

[ranger]

Pisi is interesting - he was a really elusive fullback a few years ago, but after bulking up he seems to have lost a lot of his elusiveness (though I haven't watched that many Taranaki games this year). I think he's actually a more solid player now, and he's got a good chance of getting Super 15 contract with one of the NZ franchises. However, the fact he's no longer NZ eligible may mean franchises will be less likely to pick him, given the Pacific Island nations will be involved in the Pacific Nations Cup in June while the Super 15 is still on. I'm assuming the Super 15 franchises will have priority for the players (as the NZRFU are paying the players wages), however I'm sure Pisi will really want to be playing for Samoa, so they can push for a RWC squad.

I've been impressed by Veainu - he seems quite elusive, and does seem to do the basics right. The only concerns the selectors may have about him is his size (or lack thereof). I've also heard that Kade Poki is being targetted by the Highlanders - while he's a good elusive player that is capable of playing both centre and wing, he is another small player and, like you, I feel the Highlanders really need to add some bigger more physical backs. I've actually been really impressed by Jason Hona over the last few weeks, and wonder whether he may be another player they may consider.

Yeah Pisi's game is more settled now and less explosive, but he can still make things happen and is infinitely safer and more composed then he used to be. He would be a great guy to have in any squad but the Highlanders look to be the best fit for me. The Samoa thing complicates matters however..

As for Poki, i heard that the Highlanders actually wrote out a contract for him but the Crusaders stepped in at the last minute and signed up up for another 2 seasons. This is why Veainu looks to be on the outer. Hona is an interesting prospect.. Pace and definitely power are huge upsides to his game, but he plays like a bit of a Lomu. Hes a fairly recently converted number 8 and as such he seems to carry all the negative aspects that Lomu had (Poor positioning, poor kicking, average passing game etc) without being as explosive on offense. It would be a bit of a gamble but the Highlanders can only improve really.

 

[Darwin]

A bit of interesting news from the Highlanders, with Clint Newlands confirming he's signed with Leinster so won't be back next season. (http://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/131946/rugby-search-prop-newland-goes). Personally I don't think he's a big loss, as I don't rate him very highly - I preferred Chris King starting at tighthead for the Highlanders last year. Chris King and Jamie MacIntosh are the only props confirmed for the Highlanders so far, so that leaves room for 2-3 more props. Kees Meeuws is apparently available, so is likely to get a spot, as is Halani Aulika, who has been strong for Otago this year (at least around the field, I'm not yet convinced by his scrummaging). If they take 5 props they will have to look outside the region - possibly at Bronson Murray (who played for them last year), or either of Michael Bent or Shane Cleaver from Taranaki (assuming both don't get signed for the Canes).

There have been a number of unconfirmed reports that the Highlanders have signed three outside backs - Kurt Baker, Telusa Veainu, and David Smith. I would be absolutely delighted if both Baker and Veainu are confirmed to have signed, but really hope that the reports that Smith has signed are wrong - he's the one outside back I am really hoping we do not sign! I won't comment further on these signings until they have been confirmed...

 

[SnapperNZ]

A Former Harbour boy, George Pisi has done well at Taranaki this year but apparently not enough to be picked up for S15 squad Perhaps should have stayed in the Blues region. Not much from Harbour`s side to look fwd too at the Blues although we will be watching the impressive Matt Laumanu make his mark if he remains fit.

Colin Slade good pick for Highlanders although he might regret playing for middle of the road HL team. Hopefully JJ can revitalise the Highlander outfit. But Slade will have enough opportunity to establish himself as the no 1 back -up to DC next year. Just hope the NZRU handles him better that they did with Nick Evans.

 

[Shaggy]

A Former Harbour boy, George Pisi has done well at Taranaki this year but apparently not enough to be picked up for S15 squad Perhaps should have stayed in the Blues region. Not much from Harbour `s side to look fwd although will be watching the impressive Matt Laumanu make his mark if he remains fit.

Colin Slade good pick for Highlanders although he might regret playing for middle of the road HL team. Hopefully JJ can revitalise the Highlander outfit. But Slade will have enough opportunity to lay claim to back up DC next year. Just hope the NZRU handles him better that they did Nick Evans.

Getting game time in the starting line up for the Highlanders will probably be better for Colin Slade's All Black aspirations, than sitting on the Crusaders bench behind Dan Carter.

... The situation with Nick Evans and whoever is going to be the All black backup (and i'm not saying it's Slade), is likely to be totally different. Dan Carter is likely to go and play in France after the World Cup, so whoever is the backup, is likely to be the starting no.10 after the world cup - Nick Evans, from what I've read, did not want to sit on the bench behind Dan Carter