The Baywide Women's Rugby competition kicks off with a mouth watering clash between Rotoiti and Whakarewarewa, at Emery Park.
Sunday's derby is expected to be a tight contest with both teams fielding several up and coming players and a mix of experience.
Rotoiti head coach Victoria Grant welcomed theinjection of new players but acknowledged the challenges that presented.
"We have a lot of new girls mixed with some old girls this year. It is good for our club to have the new girls coming through but we still have a few work-ons. It will be good to have our first game this weekend and hopefully they take on board what we have been doing at training."
Grant had clear ideas of where the focus needed to be against Whakarewarewa.
"This weekend we want to look at retaining our ball, so set piece is a key focus for us and that is where we would like them to set a good platform up front and go from there," she said.
Whakarewarewa are new to the competition with head coach Ron James wanting to establish a strong team culture.
"Following the [pre-season] tournament last Sunday, I believe a number of the girls are feeling confident within themselves on what they can achieve.
"For us we are just going to take it game by game and just build that culture and confidence. We've got a good mix of experienced players, and girls who are having their first run and some younger girls in the 16-17 years age range."
James recognised the importance the Whakarewarewa club had placed on ensuring the women's team felt welcomed.
"We want to make it a place where female players can come and are welcomed to play the game there. We have had positive support from past members and a number of whanau from the club, especially for the girls who are new to the club," said James.
Rotorua's other team, Waikite has the first round bye.
Baywide Premier Women fixtures: Sunday 1pm Rangataua v Te Whanau Apanui at Te Ariki Park Waimana v Rangiuru at Waimana Domain Rotoiti v Whakarewarewa at Emery Park Waikite - Bye
