Katikati Advertiser: Steamers change pace

LINE UP: Owner and chef, Mark Schlegel (left) with a pizza ready to be served by members of the BOP Steamers, Michael Kainga, Jesse Acton, Jono Kitto and Solomona Sakalia.

Burly rugby players serving patrons and waiting on tables was a bit of a contrast from their usual set pieces tackling and chasing a rugby ball around the field.

But, for a bunch of Bay of Plenty Steamers, the visit to The Landing at the Talisman Hotel was an experience they enjoyed, particularly meeting the locals.

Halfback Jono Kitto said they were stoked to be in Katikati.

"It's good to get out and see people in every part of the region."

Prop Michael Kainga agreed that it was good to get out in the region and meet people.

Kitto and Kainga were joined by teammates No 8, Jesse Acton, and prop Solomona Sakalia.

The players were in Katikati as part of the Steamers sponsorship with the Talisman Hotel, which is one of about 10 Bay Proud Pubs sponsoring the Bay of Plenty team, currently on their ITM Cup campaign.

Bar manager Steve Shaw said the previous owners of the hotel had sponsored the team last year and they were keen to do the same.

Apart from calling through on their end-of-season trip last year, this was the first time team members had come to help out in the evening, said Steve.

"The staff were glad to have them and it brought more of a fun element to the night.

"These guys haven't done a lot in the way of hospitality, so it was fun to watch them carrying a tray with glass on it."

He said the players brought a different atmosphere to the place.

"The guys, themselves, were very helpful and we're excited to have them back tonight."

Steve said the players were very respectful, professional and fun-loving at the same time.

"They couldn't do enough to help. They were friendly and very nice to everyone."

Working with bar and wait staff was not as easy as the players may have thought.

"Jesse, who was working behind the bar with me, said he didn't realise there was so much involved," Steve said.

Kitto, who said he had worked in a cafe in Christchurch, showed off his barista skills.

Being rugby players so focussed on their role, you forget there is another side to them, said Steve.

By the end of the night, the players were more relaxed and were welcoming guests at the door.

Patrons Anne Cole and Helen Gray were thrilled to see the players and said they worked for the Jace Group of companies, which also sponsored the team.

Steve said feedback after their visit had been hugely positive.

"People said it was really good to see them, so it was good for the community to see that not only main centres get a look in."

Four Steamers members will be back at the Talisman Hotel tonight for the weekly quiz and will be arriving about 6.15pm.