Only real question over Landers is at No10

Marty Banks.
Marty Banks.
The Highlanders squad for the 2019 season will be named today and it is probably the most predictable Highlanders squad of all.

It could also signal the beginning of the end, as some key players are looking to move on after the 2019 season.

With up to 30 players returning from last season, the only real question for next season's squad appears to be who is going to replace Lima Sopoaga at first five-eighth.

Sopoaga has left to play for Wasps in England and that leaves a big hole in the side.

Otago first five-eighth Josh Ioane and North Harbour pivot Bryn Gatland have both signed for the Highlanders but a third No10 is needed.

The Highlanders had said they would be looking at the Mitre 10 Cup to fill the gap.

But looking at that competition, high-quality first five-eighths are not exactly growing on trees.

Brett Cameron from Canterbury was probably the best of them but he is locked up with the Crusaders.

After him there appear to be few options. Most promising players have already been signed by other franchises.

That leads to the suggestion Marty Banks is heading back for a third stint at the franchise.

Banks first played for the Highlanders in 2015, kicking a dropped goal in the final in 2015 to seal the title for the side.

At the end of the 2016 season, Banks was set to move to Italy but he decided against that for personal reasons. After Hayden Parker was injured in pre-season, Banks, who was sitting at home, was called into the side and played a big part in the 2017 season, playing in 15 of 17 games and scoring 125 points.

Banks then went to Italy where played just the one season for the Benetton club, before moving to Japan to play for the NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes.

The Hurricanes, who were relegated from the top league last season, are coached by former Otago captain Mike Brewer.

Banks would be able to play for the Highlanders, as the Japan season finishes just before Christmas and the following season will not start until 2020, as the World Cup is played in Japan late next year.

Banks (29) is a capable pivot and has the runs on the board.

He is something of a cult figure in the south it would be
a popular return.

Fletcher Smith appears to have been passed over but his goal-kicking ability and good boot should see him end up at another franchise.

Lock Manaaki Selby-Rickit will join from Southland although Auckland lock Jack Whetton is also believed to be in the mix.

Alex Ainley and Dan Pryor will not return, prop Aki Seiuli is injured and the rarely used Guy Millar is another front-rower who has left.

The third hooker, behind Liam Coltman and Ash Dixon, is up for selection, after Greg Pleasants-Tate had a neck operation earlier this month.

Speculation league player Jarryd Hayne is looking to come to the Highlanders appears wide of the mark.

With the likes of Ben Smith, Aaron Smith and Waisake Naholo all set to finish contracts at the end of next season, this could be the final year for many of the side's mainstays before they head elsewhere.

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