GRANT FOX CLASS
Nick Evans (20 starts), 2005-07:
Evans had the full range of skills. Good boot, good goalkicker, plenty of pace and a ton of acceleration. But in three seasons he missed as many games as he played because of injury. Shame he was never seen at his best for any period of time.
DOUG BRUCE CLASS
Cameron McIntyre (five starts), 2005:
Just played a bit part in 2005 before leaving to play in France. But was a quality player who did little wrong. Suffered from being behind a queue of players seen as better than him.
Daniel Bowden (12 starts), 2008-09:
Bowden was supposed to be the next big thing and did some things well. He was a good runner, and could pass well. But he suffered from a lack of composure at key moments, and no-one seemed to know what was his best position.
Tony Brown (five starts), 2011:
Answered an SOS to come back and help the Highlanders last year when other players went down. Still assured in everything he did although was a yard slower than the last time he wore the Highlanders jersey.
Mike Delany (eight starts), 2008 and 2012:
Good enough to make the All Blacks the year after he first appeared for the Highlanders, he was quick on his feet and able to see gaps.
Came back this year when the side had no back-up and has played well, though needs to work on his distribution skills.
Chris Noakes (four starts), 2012:
Something of a surprise pick after a disappointing finish to his first career in the South.
But has played above himself and kicked goals when it mattered.
DOUG ROLLERSON CLASS
Callum Bruce (10 starts), 2006-07:
Never did anything wrong but was no game-breaker.
Charlie Hore (two starts), 2007:
See above.
Michael Hobbs (four starts), 2010:
Came off the bench in the first game against Crusaders and almost won the game. Was then shipped into first five-eighth where he played all right.
But his back was always iffy and he was never sighted as the Highlanders ship started sinking in the later part of 2010. Now part of an ailing Blues backline.
Lima Sopoaga (eight starts), 2011-12:
Jury is still out on the young Wellington pivot. Is exciting but his mind is telling his body to do things it can not do. May need to hit the gym for an extended period to try to keep his career on the paddock.
Colin Slade (five starts), 2011-12:
Had more injuries than Christian Cullen - the racehorse. Never played for a long enough period to really leave a mark but is determined to come back again. Has the talent to succeed.
SIMON MANNIX CLASS
James Wilson (three starts), 2008:
He looked good at times - well, perhaps one time. Just did not quite have the goods to make the step up to this level.
Mathew Berquist (12 starts), 2009-10:
There are many mysteries in this world but how Mathew Berquist managed to build a professional rugby career is as good as any. Lacked the class to succeed at this level and went missing when it mattered.
Jayden Hayward (one start), 2009:
Played one game against the Lions when Bowden cried off with injury. Was once said by a coach to have the ability to be an All Black. We are still waiting.
Robbie Robinson (five starts), 2010-11:
Too early for the young man to wear the No 10 jersey, and obvious even to a blind man he is better suited to fullback.
