Rotorua Maroon coach Wayne Fell is playing down his side's chances of defending their Tai Mitchell crown this year.
The 2011 champions have had a major rebuild for this year and Fell said his goal was to try and make the top four.
"We might struggle this year. We have quite a young team so it will be about building for the future."
Fell said it's always tough for a Tai Mitchell coach to win back-to-back tournaments because mostly it was rare for players to stay within the 53kg weight restriction for the tournament.
"Unlike some of the other regions like Tauranga we don't have the player depth. So we will look to build up our team like we did in 2010. That year we won the plate final and then went on to win the tournament in 2011 with the same players."
The tournament kicked off at 12pm today with Tauranga West taking on their Eastern Bay of Plenty rivals, Rangitaiki at Te Puke's Murray Salt Stadium.
Maroon's first game at 1.45pm, is against Apanui and although the Rotorua team lacks experience, they should be too strong for the eastern Bay side.
Rotorua Gold will take on tournament favourites Te Puke at 1.15pm. Gold are expected to give Te Puke some stiff competition but will have to play exceptionally well to beat the home side.
"Gold have a good team but in the pre-tournament games Te Puke have been really strong and will be the team to beat this year," Fell said.
Fell said he would be looking to his captain Rotoma's Peter-John Cullen to lift his team.
"He played in last year's team and knows what's required of him this year."
The coach said he had plenty of speed in the midfield and out wide after moving regular first-five Liam Hori-Clark to centre.
"He's really quick and it gives me more speed out wide with him playing either centre or second-five."
Youngster Brad Coulson had been given the nod at first-five because of his ability to get good distance on his kicks.
"But it will all come down to our forwards giving him front foot ball, otherwise it's going to be a real tough tournament for Brad.
The Rotorua side won't lack for height with the inclusion of Rueben Barton, Jacob Haimona and Logan Catheral in the squad. The trio have both speed and height on their side.
Fell has opted the Henry brothers Jack (prop) and Brett (hooker) to join Braydan Lawrence in the front row.
Maroon's real test will come tomorrow, when they take on Te Puke at 10.30am Fell said. Golds will also be looking to target at win when the take on Whakatane in their second match at 11.15am.
All teams play a double header on Sunday with Maroon playing Whakatane (9am) and Rangitaiki (1pm), while Gold play Rangitaiki (9am) and Galatea (1pm).