Media Release 7 July 2010

The Bay of Plenty Steamers kick of their preparations for the ITM Cup, with a warm-up match against Manawatu in the extremities of Bay Rugby on Friday (9 July 2010).

For the first time the Steamers will be play their warm-up up encounter at the Reporoa Rugby Club in Reporoa. Bay of Plenty Rugby Union CEO Jeremy Curragh said “The Steamers game in Reporoa is part of the Bay Unions philosophy to take the Steamers to the regions, and to make the Bay flagship representatives as assessable as possible”.

The match at the Reporoa Rugby Club is the first of three preliminary games, as the Steamers prepare for the rigours of an ITM Cup campaign, that will stretch from the last week in July until late October. In keeping with the rural location, the match day sponsor is Balance Agri Nutrients

A number of new recruits to the Steamers, will make their debut in the Bay of Plenty uniform in Reporoa. One player that has gone on a points blitz in premier club rugby since arriving in the Bay earlier this year is Dan Waenga. The talented first five who can kick at goal with pinpoint accuracy, has also run in a number of touchdowns for the Mount Maunganui Premiers.

Another Steamers debutant is returning to a playing field that he knows like the back of his hand. This time last year Sam Cane was playing for Reporoa College in the top echelon of Baywide Secondary School rugby. The youngsters undoubted skills were recognised last season, when he earned selection in the New Zealand Secondary School side that played their Australian counterparts

With regular captain Colin Bourke being rested for the pre-season encounter, the skipper’s reigns have been handed to Luke Braid. The dynamic flanker is sure to lead his troops from the front throughout the game.

Former Steamer Simon Chisholm has earned a call-up to the bench with solid performances in Baywide club rugby. It will be a busy few days for the rake who fronted for the Bay of Plenty Wasps against Counties Manukau on Wednesday in Katikati.

Bay of Plenty Steamers v Manawatu – 2.30pm Kick Off. Reporoa Rugby Club.

1 Tristan Moran 2 John Pareanga 3 Josh Hohneck 4 Aidan Kuka 5 Culum Retallick 6 Luke Andrews 7 Sam Cane 8 Luke Braid (captain) 9 Chad Tuoro 10 Dan Waenga 11 Ben Smith 12 Grant McQuoid 13 Brett Mather 14 Lance Mac Donald 15 Toby Arnold.
Reserves: Simon Chisholm, Joe Savage, Luke Katene, Chris Elvin, Phil Burleigh, Nic McCashin, Jason Hona
Head Coach: Sean Horan Assistant Coach: Steve Miln Manager: Ross Everiss

2010 Steamers Pre-Season Games

9 July v Manawatu at Reporoa @2.30pm
14 July v Hawkes Bay at Napier
23 July v Taranaki at Whakatane @3pm

For Further Information Contact

Mike Rogers BOPRU Operations Manager
DDI 07 927 1316 029 478 4292