Plenty of options in BOP squad says Bell

Bay of Plenty Steamers coach Andre Bell is confident the ground has been covered in selecting their extended NPC squad.

A group of 33 began specific training this week as the selection panel look to finalise their key personnel and combinations for the Air New Zealand-sponsored competition.

The provisional squad doesn't include 10 players who are on international duty at the respective under-21 World Cup, Churchill Cup or Pacific competitions. As expected powerhouse club Mt Maunganui provides the bulk of representatives with 10 players.

During the Baywide club competition the selectors have been in weekly contact with coaches who have been rating their top performers on a 1, 2 and 3 point scale.

Bell said the information had proved invaluable and he thinks many good performers will have the chance to cement a spot during the next two weeks.

The squad also reinforces his aim of picking prospective Steamers on club form and this intensive period will allow a weaning out period as prospects are put under the gun for fitness, application and attitude.

Bell said performances from the summer training camps would also be taken into account.

The forward group sees new signing Marcel Cummings-Toone (ex-Canterbury) predictably named among the hookers while there are abundant choices in the lock/loosie area, situations repeated in midfield and the back up wing selections.

Bell said they were happy to see Teu Nafe back in action on Saturday as he played 24 minutes on the left wing on a slippery and soft Tauranga Domain.

The former Rotorua Boys' High School star had knee surgery just four months ago and is considered an exciting prospect.

The midfield is the populated area of the back division with Bell delighted about the options available, which include Cory Aporo, Jeff Ierome, Rena Schuster, Joe Faiu and the rapidly rising Wayne Hughson.

"We have plenty of options - it's a bit different from last year," Bell said. "Grant McQuoid was a lateral runner and stepper.

"This year weve got the option of a couple of big midfielders who can pass and play a target type game."

The extended group will train twice a day Monday and Wednesdays and the final Steamers Air New Zealand Cup squad will be announced on June 30. Steamers training squad:

* Backs: Sam Moon, Charles Hubbard, Robert Moon, Murray Williams, Mike Delany, Jeffrey Ierome, Cory Aporo, Joe Faiu, Wayne Hughson, Rena Schuster, Charles Baxter, David Johnston, Hayden Reid, Craig Hudson, Teu Nafe, Vesi Rauluni, Marty Bourke.

* Forwards: John Pareanga, Simon Chisholm, Marcel Cummings-Toone, Ben Castle, Simms Davison, James Afoa, James McGougan, Mark Sorenson, Aidan Kuka, Glenn Minnell, Aaron Rameka, Dan Goodwin, Warren Smith, Colin Bourke, Chris Elvin, Andrew Leota.

* Not considered due to national team commitments: Aleki Lutui, Nili Latu, Garrick Cowley, Bernie Upton, Jamie Nutbrown, Tanerau Latimer, Anthony Tahana, Solomon King, Matt Wallis, Lance MacDonald.