When Glenn Moore first became coach of the Highlanders there was plenty of talk about having to build a side.
He wanted and needed to get combinations to gel, to construct a team where the players knew each other inside out and to grow some belief in each other.
The Highlanders had to experience matches together so they could find confidence in one another to start winning.
In 2010, Moore's third year at the helm, the Highlanders need to turn those concepts into results.
These men have had their apprenticeship.
It is now time to stand and deliver.
This is the year for Moore to get his side over the line, to record more wins than close losses.
Moore will get his wish of maintaining continuity this year with up to 19 Highlanders from last year, and 13 from 2008, set to return for the 2010 season.
The side looks strong in the forwards - the options in the loose are particularly strong - and at halfback.
There is plenty of promise and skill further out in the backline but the problem may be getting the ball there.
Exciting fullback Israel Dagg has already confirmed he is coming back for another year in the South, though he does face the difficult second-year syndrome.
New signing James Paterson and new All Black Ben Smith will be on the wings, while Fetu'u Vainikolo will probably get another chance after what has been a woeful 2009 for the Tongan.
The midfield is more of a puzzle.
Jayden Hayward and Kendrick Lynn should return but Johnny Leota may be discarded with crucial errors blighting his game.
Jason Shoemark was the vice-captain last year and did nothing wrong but there are question marks about his ability to go to the next level.
Promising Waikato midfielder Jackson Willison may come into the mix, while the way the Blues have chased Stephen Brett shows their apparent disinterest in Daniel Bowden.
Bowden has done little wrong at the Highlanders for the past couple of years and would be welcomed back.
In the critical No 10 position, Robbie Robinson is one candidate but it is a big ask to be the playmaker having not yet blown out the candles on his 21st birthday cake.
Robinson has talent but is green.
New Otago signing Michael Hobbs is the other candidate, although Bowden could also start there.
Jimmy Cowan is back and his deputy should be Sean Romans.
There are a few drums beating for Scott Cowan but he needs to be more consistent.
In the forwards, Nasi Manu may come into the reckoning as he drops down the pecking order at the Crusaders.
He is likely to be joined by Steven Setephano, though there could be the argument they are too similar in style and someone like Paul Grant would be a better option.
The rest of the loose forwards pick themselves, as do the locks, with athletic Southland lock Joe Tuineau likely to get a call-up.
Props are fairly straight forward although there could be the chance for a promising player like Sam Hibbard or Ben Nolan to get the fourth propping berth.
Jamie Mackintosh needs a big year after an average season in 2009 and then almost leaving the franchise.
With David Hall on the sidelines because of a serious knee injury, the two Jasons, Macdonald and Rutledge, should get the hooking roles.
Highlanders
Possible 2010 squad
Backs: Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, James Paterson, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Kendrick Lynn, Jackson Willison, Jayden Hayward, Michael Hobbs, Robbie Robinson, Daniel Bowden, Jimmy Cowan (captain), Sean Romans.
Forwards: Nasi Manu, Steven Setephano, Tim Boys, Alando Soakai, Adam Thomson, John Hardie, Tom Donnelly, Josh Bekhuis, Joe Tuineau, Hayden Triggs, Chris King, Clint Newland, Jamie Mackintosh, Sam Hibbard, Jason Macdonald, Jason Rutledge.
New boys: James Paterson, Jackson Willison, Michael Hobbs, Robbie Robinson, Nasi Manu, John Hardie, Joe Tuineau, Sam Hibbard.
Gone: Mathew Berquist, Ross Kennedy, Johnny Leota, Brett Mather, Lucky Mulipola, George Naoupu, Anthony Perenise, Jason Shoemark, David Hall (injured)Bolter: Nasi Manu - squeezed out at the Crusaders, his hard running style will be welcomed at the Highlanders, though he needs to bring more consistency to his game.
Unlucky: Johnny Leota - appears to be surplus to requirements and may pay for an inability to set up those outside him, and making errors at crucial times.
Man to take the pressure: Michael Hobbs - the Highlanders are unlikely to start rookie Robbie Robinson at first five-eighth so the spotlight will go on Hobbs, who must deliver on some of the potential that is being talked about.
