The time for talk is over as every die-hard league fan will make their way down to their local footy field tomorrow to get a dose of some good old fashioned bash and crash rugby league.
Unfortunately the sport has been in the limelight for all the wrong reasons recently, with the threat of Coastline (Western Bay of Plenty) teams being kicked out of the Bay of Plenty competition.
However, the Bay of Plenty rugby league board has allowed the competition to continue in the same format as previous years.
Coastline has two teams competing - last year's competition winners Tauranga Whalers and Otumoetai Eels.
Tauranga Whalers:
Under the guidance of Paul Pou they should be strong again this season. They appeared in their first grand final last year and showed against Pacific in the final they can pull out some great rugby league when it's required. They've had a taste of success and will be keen to go back to back this season. A top four contender.
Otumoetai Eels:
They have been the dominant team the past couple of seasons - using pace and size as their main strike force. They were the only team from this side of the Mamaku/Kaimai Ranges to make the Upper Central Zone regional competition's top four last season. The Brett Rodger-coached side is a team to watch out for. Last year they went missing in action for the second half of the competition, which almost led to the Coastline teams being kicked out of the Bay competition. A top four pick - if they play the entire season.
Pikiao Warriors:
Easily the best performing Rotorua side last year. The team has had a change at the top with Selwyn Rikiti taking over from Moehewa Armstrong as coach. Pikiao came of age last year with their forwards devastating on both attack and defence. They must fancy their chances this year despite a change at the helm. Rikiti is a shrewd operator and often gets the best out of his players. It would be a huge surprise to a lot of people if they don't make the top four.
Ngongotaha Chiefs:
They were anything but chiefly last season, a team that have long dominated the local scene - last year it was a nightmare. Damien White held the reins last year but was absent for part of the season because of work commitments. The role has been taken over by Ralf Filipo - who last held the position in 2010. It's hard to predict how this team will perform, especially with a number of their senior players switching codes and playing for Waikite and St Michaels. However, Ngongotaha have a long and proud history and will be keen to put last season well and truly behind them. Unlikely to make the top four, but never count them out.
Pacific Sharks:
Often the dark horses of the competition, like a shark, you never really know what you're going to get with this team. One moment quietly swimming along minding its own business but given a sniff of blood and they become dangerous and will take down any prey. Depending on how they perform against Ngongotaha and Central, this team has a good chance of making the top four.
Central Lions:
The Lions had a disappointing season last year, by their own standards. However, they have prepared well with head coach Jason Kiore having his team in preseason training nice and early this year. Central have an exciting back line with the likes of Ypres Williams at fullback. Last year it was their forwards' discipline which let them down. If all goes well should round off the top four.
Forestlands Falcons:
The Tokoroa side struggled last year and rarely threaten sides they came up against. However, they have a strong pride in their jersey and never give up. Will most likely battle for the wooden spoon with the Phoenix.
Taupo Phoenix:
A team that often came close but let it slip away. The Phoenix are a young side with some raw talent. However, up against some of the bigger guns they have often been pushed aside. But rugby league is a game where side can beat the odds and Phoenix have enough skills within the team to give the bigger boys a bit of a fright.
Bay of Plenty District Rugby League Competition draw:
Round One premier (all games kick off at 2.30pm); Pikiao v Ngongotaha, Puketawhero Park; Tauranga v Pacific, Grenada Park; Forestland v Otumoetai, Tokoroa; Central v Taupo, Puketawhero Park.
Round One reserves (all games kick off at 1pm); Pikiao v Ngongotaha, Puketawhero Park; Tauranga v Pacific, Grenada Park; Forestland v Otumoetai, Tokoroa; Central v Taupo, Puketawhero Park; Mangakino v Turangi, Mangakino; Reporoa v Putaruru, Reporoa.