Whakarewarewa coach Kopae Irihei was "delighted" but not surprised by the call up for his players.
"We have the right rugby culture at the club and it is all about trying to create a strong ladder that players can work up," he said.
"Kelly took a risk in coming back but it has certainly paid off and his experience and quality will really help the Steamers this season.
"Te Rangi is one of our leading players and always stands out. We are lucky to have him here.
"And Eru has returned this season after a spell away and he has been excellent in every game for us. Also credit to Jordan because he has worked hard to fight his way into the squad."
Bay of Plenty Steamers head coach Clayton McMillan believes they have assembled a squad with a good blend of enthusiastic debutants and experience.
"We've picked an outstanding group of men, hardworking, competitive, and highly motivated to perform," he said.
"The 14 new faces will give us an exciting blend of youth and experience and importantly, depth throughout."
Ten of the Bay's 12 premier club sides are represented in the squad.
"This team represents our region. The quality of club rugby has improved, and as a result, we have a competiton that's going down to the wire," said McMillan.
"It's brought a lot of excitement back to our club scene. The by-product of that is more players have been given an opportunity to shine, and this is reflected in the final squad.
"The team understand the demands and challenges ahead, but have prepared accordingly and are ready to meet those challenges head on.
"We are not a team of household names but are determined to create a legacy of success, bring some mana back to the jersey, and earn the respect of our supporters and stakeholders by playing a brand of rugby synonymous with the Bay of Plenty."
The squad also sees the return of New Zealand All Black sevens player Teddy Stanaway and the debut for international sevens players Joe Webber, Regan Ware and Hugh Blake.
Bay of Plenty Rugby Union chief executive Mike Rogers is excited about the prospect of the new season.
"The Mitre 10 Cup is the toughest provincial rugby competition in the world and every year it throws up some amazing new young talent," he said.
"The tradition and pride associated with representing your community is hugely important to everyone involved.
"The Bay of Plenty is a fantastic region and we are determined to show the rest of the Country how proud we are of the Bay."
2016 Bay of Plenty Steamers Squad
Hookers:
Nathan Harris - Te Puke Sports (26), Liam Polwart* - Greerton Marist, Joseph Royal - Rotoiti (29), Sabastian Siataga - Mount Maunganui (8)
Props:
Siegfried Fisi'ihoi - Rotoiti (18), Jordan Lay* - Whakarewarewa, Aidan Ross - Te Puke Sports (3), Solomona Sakalia - Mount Maunganui (19), Pingi Tala'apitaga - Tauranga Sports (34), Jeff Thwaites - Te Puna (6)
Locks:
Troy Callander - Greerton Marist (7), Shahn Eru - Te Puna (7), Keepa Mewett - Tauranga Sports (17), Culum Retallick - Tauranga Sports (92)
Loose Forwards:
Matty Axtens* - Mount Maunganui, Hugh Blake* - Te Puke Sports, Sam Cane - Tauranga Sports (18), Mitchell Karpik* - Mount Maunganui, Jesse Parete* - Arataki, Henry Stowers* - Arataki, Eru Wano-Smith* - Whakarewarewa, Joe Tupe - Greerton Marist (23)
Half backs:
Luke Campbell* - Te Puke Sports, Ruki Tipuna - Rangataua (12), Te Aihe Toma - Te Puna (25)
First five-eights:
Kelly Haimona - Whakarewarewa (15), Dan Hollinshead - Te Puke Sports (19)
Midfield backs:
Lalakai Foketi - Rangataua (10), Terrence Hepetema - Te Puna (1), Teddy Stanaway - Mount Maunganui (1), Joe Webber* - Te Puke Sports
Outside backs:
Te Rangi Fraser - Whakarewarewa (10), Monty Ioane* - Greerton Marist, Elijah Nicholas - Whakatane Marist (6), Chase Tiatia - Rangataua (11), Isaac Te Aute* - Mount Maunganui, Regan Ware* - Arataki
Injury Cover:
Leigh Hughes* - Mount Maunganui
Key:* is for debut player selection
Steamers Management:
Head Coach: Clayton McMillan
Assistant Coach: Rodney Gibbs
Assistant Coach: David Hill
Manager: Wayne Brill
Strength and Conditioning Trainer: Brad Mayo
Physiotherapist: Damian Banks
Assistant Physiotherapist: Corey Stunell
Doctor: Turuki Tahuri
Video Analyst: Mark Roberts
