Highlanders bank on Banks

 

The squad of 38 is made up of 32 players on full contract and also six players in the Wider Training Group.

 

22 players are returning from the 2014 season.

 

The front row has been reinforced with the additions of props Pingi Tala’apitaga, Geldenhuys, Josh Hohneck, Brendon Edmonds and hooker Ash Dixon. 

 

Alex Ainley and Mark Reddish have been added to the lock stocks and loose forward Dan Pryor rounds out the new forwards.

 

Waisake Naholo and Banks are the only new players in the backs and both had stand-out NPC Cup seasons.

 

Highlanders’ Head Coach, Jamie Joseph, commented that new players would all contribute positively to the environment.

 

"All these guys have great character and will add value to the team. I am happy with the balance and depth of the 2015 squad.”

 

The Highlanders begin their season with a home match in Round Two at Forsyth Barr Stadium on February 21 against the Crusaders after a bye in Round One.

 

Highlanders squad: Kane Hames, Pingi Tala’apitaga, Ma’afu Fia, Ross Geldenhuys, Josh Hohneck, Brendon Edmonds, Liam Coltman, Ash Dixon, Tom Franklin, Joe Wheeler, Alex Ainley, Mark Reddish, Dan Pryor, Gareth Evans, John Hardie, Shane Christie, Nasi Manu, Elliot Dixon, Aaron Smith, Fumiaki Tanaka, Marty Banks, Lima Sopoaga, Hayden Parker, Trent Renata, Shaun Treeby, Jason Emery, Malakai Fekitoa, Richard Buckman, Waisake Naholo, Patrick Osborne, Ben Smith, Kurt Baker.