Waikato, Bay clash in Rotorua

SHOWDOWN: Bay of Plenty face off against Waikato today in a representative rugby league match in Rotorua. Pictured is Bay of Plenty player Conner Hohepa (right).PHOTO/BEN FRASER A - 120513BF5

Representative rugby league gets underway in Rotorua today, with a big clash between Waikato and Bay of Plenty.

The Bay of Plenty District Rugby League premier competition came to a close last weekend with a blockbuster grand final between Pacific (Tokoroa) and Pikiao (Rotorua), won in the end by Pacific 30-26.

The competition's best players will now come together to represent their province in a three-match series against Waikato, Coastlands (Tauranga) and Gisborne.

The game between Bay of Plenty and Waikato kicks off today at 2pm at Puketawhero Park.

Bay of Plenty coach Doug Unuwai said his team were looking forward to the challenge, with representative football a new experience for a few of his players.

"It will be good for the players," he said. "We have a lot of talent in the area, as we have seen in the last three weeks."

Unuwai said local players included in the WaiCoa Bay Stallions squad, who were not selected to play each weekend in the national league, would become available for selection in the Bay of Plenty team.

He said this was his first time coaching at representative level so he was also looking forward to the occasion. "It will be new for me. I'm looking forward to seeing what Waikato have to offer."