Rugby: Retallick expects improved attitude from the Steamers

New Steamers captain Culum Retallick. Photo/File

Culum Retallick wants a complete change in attitude on and off the field in 2014.

The 29-year-old new Steamers captain is still smarting over what went on last year when Bay of Plenty were relegated out of the top flight ITM Premiership after just one win all campaign.

"I was bitterly disappointed last year. There were three or four games where we lost in the last 10 minutes. To be honest that pissed me off," Retallick said. "Getting demoted is a kick in the teeth to me because we should be up there.

"The challenge for me this year as captain is to get all the boys on the same page and get us firing, with everyone comfortable within the group. "I can't see any reason why we can't be playing in that promotion relegation game at the end of the season."

Retallick believes over the past two years the Steamers have lost their connection with the community. "I remember in our first year we came second to last and everyone wrote us off.

"We went into the next season 950k in the poo and everyone got stuck into us. We had local players and a few guys who came in and played club rugby with us.

"Twice a week we trained at different schools and we got the community behind us.

"That season, five games into it we were first equal with Wellington and hadn't lost a game, and we eventually came third in the round robin. I think in the last couple of years we have bought a lot of players in.

"There is pretty good support out there in club rugby and when they see players playing for clubs they have a relationship with them.

"This year, having seven of the 10 premier teams with players in the Steamers will strengthen that relationship between the Steamers and clubs."

Retallick has played 72 games for Bay of Plenty - the next most capped player in this year's squad is vice-captain Carl Axtens with 20 - and is honoured to be named leader. "I look back on my career and the Bay got me up here [from Canterbury] when I was 22 and gave me an opportunity. I have never lost that thought out of my head. I have had offers to go elsewhere but I want to be loyal to the people who are loyal to me."

Retallick is only just back in full training after missing the entire Super Rugby season after he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee at Blues training in December. He is looking forward to the Bay's first pre-season game (v Hawke's Bay, Rotorua, July 31).