Howieson is a bench option for Auckland. MDD if he starting will definitely get a look, especially since he has more an all whites career potentially ahead of him.
Chesterfield are tracking well in L2 (4W from 5 games) so for them to chuck MDD straight back into the starting lineup last night, after a few weeks out with injury does say something.
Bazeley seems a fan, but yeah Dibley-Dias now needs to go and play 20-30 games consisently well at that level. Does that, and he might come into contention for the March 2026 window for a looksee if is a few injuries etc. Will also keep the pressure on Rufer to have a very good ALM season (esp with Thomas back in the mix), and that ain't a bad thing for the Nix.
A loyal servant but hopefully Howieson's AWs days are over.