Top sportspeople set to shine in 2015

It will be interesting to see how the Steamers go next year led by new coach Clayton McMillan. Pictured is Steamers player Te Aihe Toma (with ball). Photo / Ric Moran

There is plenty to look forward to in 2015 for Rotorua sports fans. Rotorua Daily Post sports reporter Gary Hamilton-Irvine has made a list of his top-10 local teams and individuals to keep an eye on during 2015

Bay of Plenty Steamers (rugby)
After two tough seasons for the Steamers, during which they won just three games, it will be interesting to see how they go in the 2015 ITM Cup under new coach Clayton McMillan.

Pikiao (rugby league)
Rotorua's top league club Pikiao will aim for back-to-back titles in 2015. It will be an interesting year for local league, with a new combined Coastline-Bay of Plenty competition. Pikiao will also have a new coach for 2015, with former coach Doug Unuwai taking on a new challenge.

Whakarewarewa (rugby)
Whakarewarewa made it all the way to the grand final this year in the 2014 Baywide premier rugby competition. They will be the pick of the Rotorua clubs to make the playoffs again in 2015 in the new premier division. Rotorua rugby fans will also be happy to see a third Rotorua premier side competing in 2015, up from two (Rotoiti and Whaka) this year.

Julia Edward (rowing)
It is no secret that Rotorua rower Julia Edward has her sights set on winning a medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. She won gold at the world champs this year and will be hoping for another solid season in 2015, as she works towards her Olympic dream in the lightweight double scull boat.

Danny Lee (golf)
After a good season in his return to the PGA Tour, Danny Lee will be hoping for a big 2015. He showed this year he has the ability to shoot low rounds but needs to work on his consistency across all four rounds of tournaments. He is still searching for his first victory on the PGA Tour.

Rotorua's premier tennis teams
The new Waikato Bays interclub tennis competition has put a spotlight on the quality of Rotorua tennis. The 2014-15 season will start again in late January. The Rotorua premier men's and women's team are both in strong positions going into the business end of the season. The men's team are top of the ladder and have already qualified for the semifinals, while the women's team are currently battling out their finals series.

Chiefs (rugby)
After making the playoffs this year and recording back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013, the Chiefs will be looking for another successful season in 2015. For the first time since 2008, the Chiefs will also be bringing a regular season game to Rotorua International Stadium, on May 22.

Bay of Plenty sevens teams
The Bayleys National Sevens tournament is in Rotorua on January 17 and 18. The Bay men's team and women's team will both be competing against the best provinces from across New Zealand. It will be a huge event for the city and hopefully our home sides can perform creditably.

Sam Sinclair (netball)
After being signed by the Kia Magic while still at high school, Rotorua's Samantha Sinclair completed her debut season this year in the ANZ Championship. She started playing a lot more minutes towards the end of the season and will try and work her way into the starting side for the Magic in 2015.

Steven Adams (basketball)
A superstar in New Zealand, Rotorua's Steven Adams is currently in his second season with the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA. He has already played in one playoffs series with the Thunder and is growing in experience in the world's toughest basketball competition.