However, Te Puke will need to overcome the huge home team support for Rotoiti.
The return of Steamers legend Wayne Ormond to his roots has returned Rotoiti as genuine championship contenders. Ormond has given the side newfound self-belief along with leadership in spades.
Eastern Bay Premier representatives Opotiki have made a solid start to the new season, and sit in fourth place, albeit equal with Tauranga Sports.
The Eastern Bay side is built upon team loyalty and the much-anticipated return of Te Amo and Te Hata Wilbore will further strengthen the Opotiki backline.
Opotiki will receive a real test when Whakarewarewa visit the Princess Street Reserve in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.
With just a first-up draw the only stain on their season start, Whaka are likely to give the home side a torrid time up front.
Two Whaka players to make a real impact in last week's win over Rotoiti were Trent Sweeney (two tries) and Liam Coleman who were rewarded with the Whaka touchdowns.
Tauranga Sports have bounced back from a slow start and travel to the Sulphur City to play Waikite at the Bellvue Rd Reserve.
Mount Maunganui should prove too strong for cellar dwellers Rangataua at Te Ariki Park, with Te Puna favoured to best Greerton Marist at Maramatanga Park.
There is likely to be a real Division One battle in the Eastern Bay, in a top-of-the-table clash between Paroa and Te Teko at Dunderdale Park.
Paroa will take an unbeaten record into the encounter with their near neighbours, with the game likely to be a battle of attrition.
Third placed Rangiuru should cement their competition standings when they play Poroporo, with Ngongotaha facing a local Rotorua derby with Kahukura at the Ngongotaha Domain.
Whakatane Marist will be chasing maximum points from the game against bottom-placed Ruatoki with Reporoa chasing their second (successive) win of the season against Marist St Michaels.
Mount Maunganui, who have put a small break on the rest of the Colts contenders, should continue their winning ways when they meet Rangataua in the early game at Te Ariki Park.
A real arm wrestle could take place at Maramatanga Park where Te Puna takes on Greerton Marist. With the two sides occupying second and third place on the points ladder, the game is likely to be tight.
In other age group match-ups, defending champions Te Puke Sports should continue their renaissance when they face Marist St Michaels at Marist Park, Tauranga Sports travel to Rotorua to meet Waikite in the curtain raiser, Opotiki are at home to Whakarewarewa, while Rotoiti take on Ruatoki who have made a sterling start to the season.
