PHOTO
Otago have teamed up with the Highlanders to secure a back-up first five in an otherwise predictable squad for the 2026 NPC season.
Australian-born Tongan first five Patrick Pellegrini has joined the cause.
The 27-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Highlanders.
It appears to be an open secret that Cameron Millar is joining the Blues next season, so Pellegrini is essentially taking Millar’s spot at the Highlanders but will likely play back-up to him at NPC level.
There was also the prospect of them playing together in a dual playmaker role, Otago coach Mark Brown said.
‘‘We weren’t necessarily looking for a No 10 of his stature,’’ Brown said.
‘‘You know, he’s a pretty handy player, but we were really lucky last year with Cam.
‘‘But I suppose if we want to reach the heights that we did last year, we’ve got to have some depth in some of those key positions.
‘‘So we’re really fortunate to have Patrick on board.
‘‘We’re not closing ourselves off to any options, but, yeah, there would be a good chance that both of them will be on the field at the same time.’’
How that would look, well, Brown suggested the first five often dropped back to fullback in modern rugby.
‘‘There are lots of permutations, to be fair.’’
Pellegrini’s Moana Pasifika team-mate, halfback Joel Lam, has also moved to Otago.
That was well signposted.
With Nathan Hastie moving on and star halfback Dylan Pledger out for the season, Otago have brought in two new No 9s — Lam and Kieran McClea, who has previously played for Otago and North Otago, but was most recently with Mid Canterbury.
Lam will have first dibs on the jersey. He is from Christchurch and joined the Crusaders Academy straight out of school.
He switched to rugby league last year but returned to union when he was named in the Samoan squad for the Pacific Nations Cup.
‘‘We’re not trying to ask Joel to play like Nathan or play like Dylan. We want Joel to be the best version of himself, but he’s performed at a high level and that will be what we expect from him with us.’’
Powerful Fijian lock Joseva Tamani returns for a second season. He is a strong ball-carrier and a valued member of the pack.
Outside back Jae Broomfield featured in all 13 games for Otago last season and is back for another shot at glory.
Fullback Sam Gilbert, lock Will Tucker and midfielder Thomas-Umaga Jensen all have overseas contracts.
Pledger is listed in the squad but is not expected to play. He is recovering from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
They will be sorely missed, but Otago have assembled a very decent squad.
‘‘We’ve only lost four or five guys, to be fair, but the guys that aren’t there, they leave big shoes to fill.
‘‘And that’s the challenge for this year’s squad.’’
Otago have an embarrassment of riches in the front row, including All Blacks prop George Bower, Saula Ma’u, Abraham Pole, Rohan Wingham, Henry Bell and Liam Coltman.
Hooker Nic Souchon is also training with the squad but does not have a full contract.
The locking stocks are a little lean in the absence of Tucker. But there is some hope Fabian Holland may play the odd game before he joins the All Blacks later in the year.
Lucas Casey had a breakout year and he will be joined in the loose by Christian Lio-Willie, who keeps returning year after year despite living in Christchurch, and the likes of Will Stodart and Oliver Haig.
Otago will lean on Finn Hurley and Jona Nareki to generate some magic out wide, while midfielder Josh Timu is an experienced hand.
NPC
Otago squad
Forwards: George Bower, Saula Ma’u, Abraham Pole, Rohan Wingham, Ben Lopas, Moana Takataka, Henry Bell, Liam Coltman, A-One Lolofie, Fabian Holland, Joseva Tamani, Harry Irving, Christian Lio-Willie, Will Stodart, Oliver Haig, Lucas Casey, Slade McDowall
Backs: Dylan Pledger, Joel Lam, Kieran McClea, Cameron Millar, Patrick Pellegrini, Jake Te Hiwi, Josh Timu, Josh Whaanga, Jona Nareki, Finn Hurley, Jae Broomfield, Sam Nemec-Vial.