Four Rotorua players in Steamers squad

Whakarewarewa prop Siegfried Fisiihoi (with ball) has been picked for the 2014 Steamers squad.

Four Rotorua players have made the Steamers cut for the 2014 ITM Cup season.

Steamers coaches Kevin Schuler and Rodney Gibbs have tonight revealed their squad of 31 players, which features 19 returning from last season's campaign and 12 new faces who have impressed selectors in the Baywide campaign.

Rotoiti's Joe Royal is back in the squad and is joined by clubmate Jesse Acton - who was out of consideration last year after he broke his leg in the trials match.

Also in the squad are Whakarewarewa's captain Doug Edwards and prop Siegfried Fisiihoi. Whaka's Te Rangi Fraser and Whaimotu Craft-Chemis did not make the cut.

All Blacks Sam Cane and Brodie Retallick are also named, though they may play a limited role in the ITM Cup if selected in the All Blacks squad for the Investec Series. Long serving Bay of Plenty lock Culum Retallick has been named the Steamers captain.

"The squad has a very good mix of experience and exciting young talent," said head coach Kevin Schuler.

"We have been through a very robust selection process based on strong club form, feedback from club coaches, and performances in our trial games. We are very happy with our squad and excited about the upcoming ITM Cup."

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union chief executive Mike Rogers said the squad was a good reflection of the region with seven out of 10 Baywide Premier clubs represented.

"I think this is a testament to our club competition being the most competititve it has been in a number of years. I am confident this year's squad will represent our region with pride both on and off the field."

Steamers 2014 ITM Cup Squad:

Hookers: Nathan Harris (Te Puke Sports); Joe Royal (Rotoiti)

Props: Kane Hames (Tauranga Sports); Pingi Tala'apitanga (Tauranga Sports); Solomona Sakalia (Mount Maunganui); Mike Kianga (Mount Maunganui); Siegfried Fisiihoi (Whakarewarewa)

Locks: Brodie Retallick (Tauranga Sports) Culum Retallick (Tauranga Sports-Captain); Josh Sole (Mount Maunganui); Tim Bond (Te Puke Sports)

Loose Forwards: Sam Cane (Tauranga Sports); Hamish Gosling (Tauranga Sports); Johan Bardoul (Mount Maunganui); David Whitecliffe-Davies (Te Puke Sports); Joe Tupe (Greerton Marist); Carl Axtens (Tauranga Sports - Vice Captain); Jesse Acton (Rotoiti)

Halfbacks: Samisoni Fisilau (Mount Maunganui); Jono Kitto (Te Puke Sports); Te Aihe Toma (Te Puna)

First five-eighths: Dan Hollinshead (Te Puke Sports); Paul Morris (Tauranga Sports)

Midfield backs: Teddy Stanaway (Mount Maunganui - Vice Captain); Siaosi Longi (Rangataua); Doug Edwards (Whakarewarewa); Byron McGuigan (Tauranga Sports)

Outside backs: Tino Nemani (Greerton Marist); Kimami Sitauti; Leroy van Dam (Greerton Marist); Junior Tofa Va'a (Te Puke Sports)