INSIDE BACKS
We have had the cream of the crop, some of the best in the world, who have gone on to carve out an impressive career on the international stage or overseas.
But as well as those stars, there has been the odd dud.
Guys who have never impressed and were found to be out of their depth.
Rhys Duggan played one season for the Highlanders in 1998 and was a big reason the side went from last to the playoffs.
He was quick and had an eye for a gap.
Tony Brown was a player who was as reliable as night follows day. He was a good goal-kicker, a fierce defender and, more often than not, took the right option.
He did not have blinding pace but he made up for that with determination.
Simon Culhane had started out for the Highlanders but he was passed by Brown.
He was a livewire with a good pass and a tough defender.
But leaving when he was in his prime - to the Chiefs of all places - puts a black mark against Kelleher.
Danny Lee was floating around at the same time and he was steady. That was about it with him. Lee tended to make the odd critical mistake at just the wrong time.
The less said about Ben Hurst and Billy Fulton the better.
When Brown left for Japan, Nick Evans came in.
Evans was a class act. He could kick off both feet, had electric speed and had plenty of vision.
The only issue with Evans was he was often injured. He missed just as many, if not more, games than he played.
When he was on the field and firing, the Highlanders backline was so much better.
He headed back to the Blues in 2008 and then fled overseas.
Since he left there has been plenty of traffic through the first five-eighth turnstiles.
Dan Bowden was said to be the next big thing but he never delivered. Then along came players such as Michael Hobbs, Mathew Berquist and Mike Delany.
Through all of this, Jimmy Cowan was throwing the ball out from halfback.
Cowan was a fine defensive halfback and played well against all opposition. His game against the Bulls in 2009 was particularly memorable.
When Jamie Joseph arrived as coach his first signing was Colin Slade. It was a coup but Slade was injured throughout his three-year stay.
Lima Sopoaga looked to be going the same way but, over the past two seasons, has matured into a class act.
Guiding him to the black jersey was halfback Aaron Smith. Smith was raw when he arrived in 2011 but he passed Cowan to be the No1 the following year and, a few months later, was the first choice No9 in the country.
He has not slipped since. In fact, daylight is now second.
Contenders
Byron Kelleher: Quick and tough.
Jimmy Cowan: Great defence and a determined competitor.
Aaron Smith: Lightning fast and opportunist.
Tony Brown: Very reliable and a solid defender.
Nick Evans: Silky skills and big boot.
Lima Sopoaga: Deadly goal-kicker and big improver.
Dream Team
The Otago Daily Times is running a competition to name a Highlanders dream team - the best side, 15 players and seven reserves - from all the players who have turned out for the franchise in 20 years.
• Entries close on February 23 and can be posted to Box 517, Dunedin or emailed to: sport@odt.co.nz