Steamers make time to interact with Rotorua fans

The Bay of Plenty Steamers understand the importance of remembering where they've come from, spending time in Rotorua visiting fans.Five players visited Glenholme Primary School, Western Heights Primary School, Bupa The Gardens Care Home and the Ngongotaha Rugby Club today.

Speaking during the Western Heights visit Steamers back Kelly Haimona, who grew up in Rotorua, said the visits were all about "interacting with the community".

"Most of all it's a chance for us to connect with the fans because these are the people that cheer for us win or lose, support us through thick and thin.

"The support is strong - Bay of Plenty has a proud rugby history and culture.

"These visits remind us where we've come from and help us remember when we were young and our rugby idols came to school.

"It keeps the boys grounded, keeps them humble and also lets the kids know we are here for them," said Haimona.

He said the Steamers' preparations for the Mitre 10 Cup, which starts in August, were going well.

"We're currently in the preparation phase, working with our academies and our wider training group.

"Once our Chiefs boys come back and we assemble we'll be ready to roll come the first game in August.

"There's always a lot of confidence, especially after making the semifinals of the championship last year, and with a young squad like ours I think the future is bright."

Joining Haimona in Rotorua were Aidan Ross, Liam Polwart, Chase Tiatia and Mitchell Karpik, who all played for the Chiefs against the Lions on Tuesday night.

Ross, a prop who is one of few players to have faced the Lions twice after also representing the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians against them, said he enjoyed the chance to interact with Steamers fans."We represent a really big area so it's nice to get out of Tauranga and spend some good, fun time with the kids.

"They always have a smile on their faces which is good to see.

"There's been heaps of smiles and laughter, they all seem excited to see us.

"I grew up in the Bay of Plenty and I remember how exciting it was when the Steamers came to visit," said Ross.

He said playing against the Lions was "awesome".

"We probably played them at the right time with the Barbarians because they'd just got off the plane and were a bit jet-lagged.

"There was a big difference in how well they played on Tuesday after a month of touring together - they've got all their connections right now and they've bonded well.

"[The Lions scrum] has come a long way since that first game, it's definitely one of their strengths and no doubt they'll keep using it."

After running some training drills with the Western Heights pupils it was the players' turn to be put through their paces with a hard-hitting Q and A session.

They were asked an array of questions ranging from 'who inspires you?' and 'how did you get into rugby?' to 'who's your favourite Disney princess?' and 'would you rather date Katy Perry or Taylor Swift?'.

Steamers fans will be hoping the players sidestep opposing defenders as well as they did some of the curlier questions today.