KEY POINTS:
Bay of Plenty hooker John Pareanga won't be available to play again until round six of the national competition after breaking an arm in a practice match against Hawkes Bay.
However, he has been named in the 28-man Bay of Plenty squad, with coach Kevin Schuler confident the
former Waikato representative will add to his 18 matches for the union. Chiefs Super 14 frontrower Ben Castle will again captain the Steamers.
Marcel Cummings-Toone has come through concussion tests this week and will be fit for hooking duties. The former national age-group representative had his pre-season interrupted by a head knock and missed the Manawatu and Hawkes Bay pre-season matches with Ngarimu Simpkins taking the opportunity to cement his spot.
Simpkins last played NPC for the Bay in 2004 before losing favour with former coach Vern Cotter. He is one of three former Steamers making a return; the others being John Moore in the locking ranks and Charles Hubbard as halfback cover.
Former Manu Samoa international Garrick Cowley will also act as halfback back-up to Jamie Nutbrown.
It's likely Cummings-Toone will get some game time tomorrow in Rotorua when the Steamers play Waikato in their last pre-competition outing.
Schuler said there was plenty of depth at hooker, even with Pareanga injured, as prop Simms Davison could also provide cover.
Moore has been playing in France and Schuler believes he will provide a seasoned option among a reasonably young forward pack.
Aaron Rameka is in only his second season while Culum Retallick and props Michael Ormsby and Matt Wallis are on the verge of their first.
The selectors have opted for one openside specialist in the loose, with Tanerau Latimer considered the region's premier No 7. He will get cover from former New Zealand colt Solomon King, with Maori representative Warren Smith, former Super 14 representative Colin Bourke and Aiden Kuka making up the rest of the loose-forward contingent.
In the backs, Murray Williams and Mike Delany could find themselves in either the No 10 or No 15 jerseys. The midfield is a straightforward selection with Cory Aporo, Rena Schuster and Wayne Hughson.
* Former All Blacks flanker Marty Holah is a late inclusion on the Waikato bench for tomorrow's match after fellow former international Sione Lauaki withdrew with a knee strain.
Lauaki was initially listed among the reserves for the match at Rotorua International Stadium but was scratched after training yesterday.
Reserve prop Andre Ellison (shoulder) was another late defection after the team had been announced. His place has been taken by Lionel Wairau.
Bay Of Plenty squad
Forwards: Marcel Cummings-Toone, John Pareanga, Ngarimu Simpkins, Ben Castle (c), Simms Davison, Michael Ormsby, Matthew Wallis, John Moore, Aaron Rameka, Culum Retallick, Colin Bourke, Solomon King, Aiden Kuka, Tanerau Latimer, Warren Smith.
Backs: Garrick Cowley, Charles Hubbard, Jamie Nutbrown, Murray Williams, Michael Delany, Cory Aporo, Wayne Hughson, Rena Schuster, Tajhon Mailata, Lance MacDonald, Jason Hona, Teu Nafe, Anthony Tahana.
BAY OF PLENTY TIMES, NZPA