Josh Whaanga

A product of New Zealand's provincial pathway, Josh Whaanga earned a development contract with the Highlanders on the back of consistent form and a no-nonsense, physical approach to forward play. Born on 15 March 2004, the young New Zealander has impressed those around the squad with his reliability at the set piece and his willingness to do the abrasive work that rarely makes the highlight reels. At this stage of his journey he operates primarily as a depth option and training-ground driver, pushing the established names and sharpening himself for the chance to step up. That apprenticeship is a familiar route in the New Zealand system, where patience and graft are prized, and Whaanga's combination of work ethic and physicality suggests a forward determined to make the most of his opportunity at the Highlanders. With the southern franchise placing long-standing trust in players developed within its own region, Whaanga's grounding and physical edge position him well to climb the depth chart and stake a claim for more regular involvement in the seasons ahead.