10 Bay of Plenty Steamers will make their debuts for the blue and gold this Sunday as they travel down to Wellington to play the Lions at Sky Stadium this Sunday, August 7, from 4.35pm. 

 Sonny Collier is a proud Opotiki local who played for Greerton Marist this season and had a fantastic season. Carlos Price is called into the side after an impressive club campaign for Mount Maunganui, including a flawless kicking display that helped lead his side to the Baywide title. Another Mount Marlin in Taylor Haugh earns a debut start on the wing after an impressive club and pre-season campaign, while Naitoa Ah Kui makes his long-awaited debut for the Steamers after injury saw him sit out the entirety of the 2021 season. 

 “It’s been a really good pre-season for us, quite a few new faces, so it has been important for us to connect as a group. It’s been great to give guys minutes, and everyone has had the chance to put their best foot forward,” says Head Coach Mike Delany. 

Blues standout Kurt Eklund will captain the team while Inga Finau will play the important role of vice-captain.  

 “It’s great to have Kurt back leading the side. He’s a great leader in our team and carries himself with a lot of mana and pride in the Bay jersey. His performance for the Blues this season was top-notch, and we know he will lead from the front this year,” says Delany. 

 “Our message is to go out there and play with belief in the systems we’ve set up over the pre-season, and trust in our ability to solve problems. I have no doubt in the crew we’ve got that we’ll put a performance on the board that we’re proud of.” 

 Make sure you catch our Steamers LIVE on Sky Sport 1 this Sunday. 

Steamers Round 1 team vs Wellington Lions 

1. Haereiti Hetet
2. Kurt Eklund (C) 
3. Tevita Mafileo 
4. Justin Sangster 
5. Manaaki Selby-Rickit 
6. Naitoa Ah Kuoi* 
7. Jacob Norris* 
8. Zane Kapeli 
9. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi 
10. Kaleb Trask 
11. Nigel Ah Wong* 
12. Inga Finau 
13. Joey Walton* 
14. Taylor Haugh* 
15. Emoni Narawa 

16. Anaru Rangi* 
17. Josh Bartlett 
18. Pasilio Tosi 
19. Sonny Collier* 
20. Veveni Lasaqa 
21. Jamie Dobie*/Carlos Price* 
22. Wharenui Hawera* 
23. Gillies Kaka* 

*Steamers Debut 

Not available due to injury: 
Luke Donaldson 
Nikora Broughton 
Penitoa Finau 
Jeff Thwaites 
Melani Nanai 
Emoni Narawa 
Kitiona Vai 
Lalomilo Lalomilo 

All Black 7's:
Leroy Carter
Roderick Solo

All Blacks:
Aidan Ross
Sam Cane

Article added: Friday 05 August 2022