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<blockquote data-quote="Darwin" data-source="post: 531497" data-attributes="member: 24910"><p>I haven't heard much on Maitland recently - last I heard was that he was unlikely to be coming down to the Highlanders (and may in fact resign with the Crusaders). The Highlanders right wing position is certainly up for debate. Not sure what the status of Poki is - he was disappointing last season, and there have been a few stories that he has been de-listed. Popoali'i is great at ITM Cup level, but I really worry about his defense at Super Rugby - in our last match Ben Lam ran straight through him 2-3 times (without much of a run-up). Not sure if Ensor is quite ready to be starting yet as he is still a bit erratic, but he should be in the squad (or wider training squad) as he has some serious talent. Maitland would be ideal (if we could get him), as would Johnny McNicholl (one of my new heroes <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite2" alt=";)" title="Wink ;)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=";)" /> ) but I can't see the Crusaders letting him go (indeed I suspect he will be their starting right wing next season). There are plenty of other unsigned wings floating around e.g. Ben Lam, Nafi Tuitavake, Tino Nemani, Matt Proctor (don't tell Nick we are going to poach him <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite2" alt=";)" title="Wink ;)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=";)" /> ) etc - we just need to find one that suits our game-plan (whatever that is?).</p><p></p><p>In terms of a back-up halfback, Tanaka would be ideal. He has been superb for Otago during the ITM Cup, and his up-tempo style would really suit the Highlanders. There are some concerns about his size (if the opposition get a hand on him he gets thrown around like a child, and he can struggle in defense), but the rest of his game more than makes up for this weakness in my opinion. Southland (/Fijian) halfback Nemia Kenatale is another good option, as he has been in great form this season (and was in the Highlanders wider training squad last year).</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Sadly that seems to be the sentiment of many from the Taranaki, Manawatu, and Hawke's Bay regions, and I can understand it completely. I have just seen Richard Lee-lo has been signed by the Canes, yet they didn't want to offer Emery (probably the most promising midfield back I have seen in years) a full contract <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite11" alt=":rolleyes:" title="Roll Eyes :rolleyes:" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":rolleyes:" />. Like you, I can't blame many of these players for leaving!</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Darwin, post: 531497, member: 24910"] I haven't heard much on Maitland recently - last I heard was that he was unlikely to be coming down to the Highlanders (and may in fact resign with the Crusaders). The Highlanders right wing position is certainly up for debate. Not sure what the status of Poki is - he was disappointing last season, and there have been a few stories that he has been de-listed. Popoali'i is great at ITM Cup level, but I really worry about his defense at Super Rugby - in our last match Ben Lam ran straight through him 2-3 times (without much of a run-up). Not sure if Ensor is quite ready to be starting yet as he is still a bit erratic, but he should be in the squad (or wider training squad) as he has some serious talent. Maitland would be ideal (if we could get him), as would Johnny McNicholl (one of my new heroes ;) ) but I can't see the Crusaders letting him go (indeed I suspect he will be their starting right wing next season). There are plenty of other unsigned wings floating around e.g. Ben Lam, Nafi Tuitavake, Tino Nemani, Matt Proctor (don't tell Nick we are going to poach him ;) ) etc - we just need to find one that suits our game-plan (whatever that is?). In terms of a back-up halfback, Tanaka would be ideal. He has been superb for Otago during the ITM Cup, and his up-tempo style would really suit the Highlanders. There are some concerns about his size (if the opposition get a hand on him he gets thrown around like a child, and he can struggle in defense), but the rest of his game more than makes up for this weakness in my opinion. Southland (/Fijian) halfback Nemia Kenatale is another good option, as he has been in great form this season (and was in the Highlanders wider training squad last year). Sadly that seems to be the sentiment of many from the Taranaki, Manawatu, and Hawke's Bay regions, and I can understand it completely. I have just seen Richard Lee-lo has been signed by the Canes, yet they didn't want to offer Emery (probably the most promising midfield back I have seen in years) a full contract :rolleyes:. Like you, I can't blame many of these players for leaving! [/QUOTE]
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