Hooker
It was a season of major development for Jack Taylor, who played all 14 games (starting 12) for the Highlanders and entrenched himself as the first-choice No 2.
Taylor had some worrying lineout throwing issues at times and he does not have the ball-carrying impact of a Samisoni Taukei’aho or an Asafo Aumua, but he is a dynamo around the field and a relentless defender. He is still not yet 23, so it seems certain he will be a long-term Highlanders man.
His back-ups were Henry Bell and Soane Vikena, but it will be a surprise if both return.
The Otago Daily Times understands the Highlanders might be in for Waratahs and former Crusaders hooker Ioane Moananu. Perhaps it is too soon for Southland tyro Shaun Kempton.
Prop
Ethan de Groot is coming off an outstanding season and is still under contract, and you can see him being a vital part of the Highlanders for a long time yet.
He will again be joined next year by popular veteran Angus Ta’avao, who had an excellent first season in Dunedin and clearly commands a lot of respect within the squad.
Saula Ma’u and Josh Bartlett are likely to return, but the futures of the rarely sighted Sefo Kautai and the ageless Daniel Lienert-Brown are unclear.
Young prop Rohan Wingham, who unexpectedly started the first three games of the season from the wider squad, is possibly being eyed by the Hurricanes.
The name of former Highlanders prop Jermaine Ainsley keeps popping up.
Lock
Everything starts with the outstanding Fabian Holland — and how the Highlanders missed their injured talisman this year.
He will be joined by another beanpole in New Zealand under-20 squad member Josh Tengblad.
Mitch Dunshea has given sterling service since joining from the Crusaders three years ago, but whether Pumas veteran Tomas Lavanini and Tai Cribb (just 17 minutes all season) are back is unknown.
Anything to these crazy rumours about league player turned boxer Nelson Asofa-Solomona?
Loose forward
Shannon Frizell makes a welcome return from Japan, rising star Lucas Casey will probably be the regular No 7, and Veveni Lasaqa will be back.
Of those who are, as far as we can tell, coming off contract, TK Howden has been excellent value, Sean Withy is presumably going nowhere, Will Stodart adds versatility value and Nikora Broughton is coming off his most consistent season.
There is speculation Oliver Haig, who has been solid rather than spectacular of late, might be heading to the Hurricanes, and it is unclear whether Hugh Renton — who adds so much when fit and firing — will be staying after three injury-affected seasons.
The Highlanders might be in the market for a No 8, and one name being mentioned is Iakopo Mapu, the Samoan wrecking ball who has been playing in France and represented the Kaikorai club as a young fellow.
Halfback
Folau Fakatava and Dylan Pledger are the men under contract. Fakatava has been inconsistent but could still have a lot to offer — unless he and the club come to an agreement to allow him to pursue other opportunities — while every Highlanders fan will be eager to see Pledger make his debut after returning from injury.
Adam Lennox has added a great deal of spark. There is talk Nic Shearer could be on his way to the Blues.
First five
It seems we can expect a complete changing of the guard in the playmaker role.
Chiefs and All Blacks XV first five Josh Jacomb is heading south, and Southland rookie Mika Muliaina makes a rapid step up to Super Rugby.
Moana Pasifika’s demise could lead to William Havili, who has played a lot of fullback but is equally at home at first five, coming south.
That might leave no room for Taine Robinson and Andrew Knewstubb, while it seems to be an open secret that homegrown first five Cameron Millar is off to the Blues.
Midfield
Backline spark Timoci Tavatavanawai, injured utility Reesjan Pasitoa and forgotten lad Josh Whaanga are under contract.
Jonah Lowe was quietly impressive after switching from wing to centre. But did Jamie Joseph’s quote about ‘‘losing two centres next year’’ mean both Lowe and Tanielu Tele’a are off? What about the little-used Jake Te Hiwi?
Meihana Grindlay and Tayne Harvey are in the wider squad, but this shapes as an area in which the Highlanders need to strengthen. Perhaps Tevita Latu or Lalomilo Lalomilo from a defunct Moana Pasifika team could be options, or the NPC might throw up a new name.
Outside back
Star men Caleb Tangitau and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens will be back in 2027, and will be joined by youngster Stanley Solomon. Xavier Tito-Harris will ideally join that trio.
Jona Nareki will presumably be back but might be seen more in the midfield, while Finn Hurley has the talent but needs to find a way to stay on the field.
Israel Leota could be a handy pick-up from Moana Pasifika.
• TOMORROW: Meikle’s season review
