ITM Cup: Steamers 'unfortunate' this season

Steamers backs coach Rodney Gibbs. Photo / Getty Images

The Steamers have just one win from seven games but mathematically they can still make the ITM Championship play-offs.

They have three potentially winnable games to go, against Northland from 7.35pm tonight at Baypark Stadium, then Otago at home and Waikato away.

Steamers assistant coach Rodney Gibbs admits it has been a struggle this season, particularly for his inexperienced backline.

"We have had some misfortune in losing Paul Morris and Teddy Stanaway (pre-season), as well as Samisoni (Fisilau) in the first game. That has been unfortunate for us because that is the base experience that we were looking for.

"It has put a lot of pressure on the inexperienced boys at this level. It has been pretty tough on them. They are working really hard and growing as the year's gone on. It is just the experience at this level they are lacking.

"Part of the plan was to start growing some depth in the union, especially in key positions (halfback and first-five) with the likes of Dan [Hollinshead], Te Aihe [Toma], Jono [Kitto], and hold on to them for two to three years. We want to make sure there is a real good development process in place."

Hollinshead, 19, will start in the No10 jersey against Northland ahead of Toma, 21, after recovering from a groin injury.

"We have tried to manage that injury. At his age it would have been unfair to push him through that, but he is fully fit and it is time for his development to keep progressing," said Gibbs. "Te Aihe is again a little bit inexperienced, but he has filled in incredibly I think."

Midfield back Doug Edwards, 30, has waited a long time to play at the ITM Cup level but has played every game this season.

"He brings an incredible amount to the team environment, which is really important," said Gibbs. "He has slipped straight into being the kaumatua of the team and demands respect from people around him. On-field Doug has played really well. He has been working really hard defensively and has improved there throughout the season."

Northland will be highly competitive tonight, with three wins in the ITM Championship. They bring a strong Bay of Plenty connection in loose forwards Dan and Kara Pryor, grandsons of Bay of Plenty and Maori All Blacks legend Albie Pryor.

Steamers winger Tino Nemani will miss the next two games following the judicial hearing into his red card sending off in the shield challenge against Hawke's Bay.