Rugby: BOP Steamers trial squad is named

Whakarewarewa captain Doug Edwards (with ball) will trial for this year's Bay of Plenty Steamers' team next month. Photo/Stephen Parker

Nine Rotorua players are in the running to make the Bay of Plenty Steamers' squad for this year's ITM Cup.

The four Rotoiti club players up for selection are Curtis van der Heyden, Jake Marsters, Jesse Acton and Joe Royal while Whakarewarewa has five players in contention - Doug Edwards, Ricky Waitoa, Sigfried Fisihoii, Te Rangi Fraser and Whaimotu Craft Chemis.

The last time an official Bay of Plenty trial was held was in 2009.

As well as the current high performance squad players, 15 players who have performed well in club rugby have been invited to the trial.

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union CEO Mike Rogers said: "It is great we have been able to bring back this trial game. This will provide an opportunity for players in contention for the Steamers to go head to head and assist the Steamers coaches in making their decisions on who will make the final squad.

"We are pleased that all premier clubs are represented in the squad.

"This year's Bayfair club competition is the most evenly contested we have seen for a number of years and is showcasing a number of players who deserve an opportunity to make the Steamers squad for the ITM Cup."

The trial will be at Murray Salt Stadium in Te Puke on Wednesday, June 11. There is a 7pm kick-off.

After the trial, the squad will be narrowed down to play a three-way game with the Chiefs and Harlequins on June 17.

The final Steamers squad will be announced at the end of June.

Player and club
Doug Edwards Whakarewarewa
Ricky Waitoa Whakarewarewa
Sigfried Fisihoii Whakarewarewa
Te Rangi Fraser Whakarewarewa
Whaimotu Craft Chemis Whakarewarewa
Curtis van der Heyden Rotoiti
Jake Marsters Rotoiti
Jesse Acton Rotoiti
Joe Royal Rotoiti
Joe Tupe Greerton Marist
Leroy van Dam Greerton Marist
Taylor Jones Greerton Marist
Tim O'Malley Greerton Marist
Tino Nemani Greerton Marist
Danny Kayes Mount Maunganui
Dave Smart Mount Maunganui
Josh Sole Mount Maunganui
Matt Axtens Mount Maunganui
Samisoni Fisilau Mount Maunganui
Solomona Sakalia Mount Maunganui
Teddy Stanaway Mount Maunganui
Vyron Smith Mount Maunganui
Johan Bardoul Mount Maunganui
TEAMCLUB
Joe Duffy Opotiki
Matt Henwood Opotiki
Matt Clutterbuck Rangataua
Ross Taurima Rangataua
Siosi Langi Rangataua
Elijah Nicholas Rangiuru
Beau Williams Tauranga Sports
Byron McGuigan Tauranga Sports
Hamish Gosling Tauranga Sports
Nick Evemy Tauranga Sports
Paul Morris Tauranga Sports
Pingi Tala'apitanga Tauranga Sports
Jono Kitto Te Puke Sports
Aidan Ross Te Puke Sports
Dan Hollinshead Te Puke Sports
David Whitecliffe-Davies Te Puke Sports
Elliott Hagen Te Puke Sports
Junior Tofa Va'a Te Puke Sports
Tim Bond Te Puke Sports
Te Aihe Toma Te Puna

Note: No players involved in Super Rugby or New Zealand teams were considered for the trial.