Congratulations to the 25 young men selected for this year's Ngāwhā squad (Steamers Development). 

The squad comprises the Union's best local club-level talent who impressed during their club seasons. A Sub-Union competition also transpired between Western, Eastern, and Central Bay representative sides with the Te Hurinui Apanui Shield up for grabs. 

Western Bay was the winner of the Shield after defeating Central Bay (31-29) at Puarenga Park last weekend. The Te Hurinui Apanui Shield has significant history in the region having first been played for in 1927 as a challenge trophy between Sub-Unions of Bay of Plenty. The shield was presented to the Union by Emerre Apanui Stewart & family. 

"After watching a great club season where all the teams were competitive, the Union hosted Sub-Union games over the past two weekends. The competition finished with a very high-intensity game, with the Western team winning on full-time with a penalty," says Ngāwhā Head Coach Culum Retallick. 

"It was a great opportunity for myself, Sean [Horan] and Phil [Falamoe] to look at players not playing in their club systems, with new guys around them and seeing their individual skill sets." 

The Ngāwhā have a busy schedule ahead with a six-game campaign, including two warm-up games. Two of their games will act as curtain raisers for Bunnings NPC matches which will serve as fantastic exposure for the players as they try and put their hands up for the next level. 

"This is an opportunity for players who have worked hard during their club season, and if they happen to get a Steamers call-up, they are fit and ready to go. We have worked closely with the Steamers' coaches around talent ID of who we believe can represent the Bay," says Retallick. 

"Our goal as coaches is to ensure we give players the right framework and make our environment enjoyable. We hope that the players are motivated to express themselves as who knows who might be watching them." 

2022 Bay of Plenty Ngāwhā Squad 
Alex Johnston (Te Puke Sports) 
Arana Millar (Whakarewarewa) 
Axel Hohneck (Whakarewarewa) 
Bernie Hati (Whakarewarewa) 
Carlos Price (Mount Maungnaui) 
Champ Soloman-Mua (Rangiuru) 
Etonia Waqa (Te Puna) 
Gilbert Taoho (Te Puke Sports) 
Hunter Mokomoko (Te Puna) 
Jack Hollinshead (Te Puke Sports) 
Jack Sturmey (Rangiuru) 
Jaya Moore (Whakarewarewa) 
Josh Honey (Tauranga Sports) 
Junior Matautia (Greerton Marist) 
Kane O'Connor (Rangataua) 
Leighton Fowler (Te Puke Sports) 
Lockie Devereux (Te Puke Sports) 
Mitch Holton (Te Puna) 
Peni Lasaqa (Tauranga Sports) 
Semisi Paea (Ngongotaha) 
Seamus Bardoul (Tauranga Sports) (Captain) 
Sekuini Tanimo (Greerton Marist) 
Sonny Collier (Greerton Marist) 
Taitua Woller (Judea)         
Tyrone Keith (Tauranga Sports) 

Coaching Staff 
Head Coach: Culum Retallick 
Backs Coach: Philip Falamoe 
Forwards Coach: Sean Horan 
Manager: David Little 
Assistant Manager: Steven Meredith 
Physio: Adina Holder 

Bay of Plenty Ngāwhā 2022 Draw 
vs East Coast, Saturday 13th August, 2.45pm, Rugby Park, Whakatane 
vs Pacific Island Invitational, Saturday 20th August, 2.30pm, Murray Salt Stadium, Te Puke  
vs Counties Manukau Development, Saturday 27th August, 2.45pm, Tauranga Domain 
vs North Harbour Development, Saturday 10th September, Time TBC, QBE Stadium, North Harbour
vs Taranaki Development, Friday 16th September, Time TBC, Taranaki 
vs Auckland Development, Saturday 24th September, 1pm, Venue TBC 

Article added: Wednesday 10 August 2022