The Bay of Plenty Steamers squad for the 2010 ITM Cup has a balanced look with the nucleus of last year’s team, and a number of new recruits to provide additional strength in key positions.

Steamers Head Coach Sean Horan and Assistant Coach Steve Miln has selected a squad with a multitude of ITM Cup experience.

One key signing is All Black Lelia Masaga, who will add to the out side back skills of Ben Smith, Lance MacDonald, Jason Hona and Toby Arnold, who have all previously worn the Bay of Plenty strip.

Two key players during the thirteen match ITM Cup campaign, are likely to be Tanerau Latimer and Mike Delaney, who received All Black call-ups last year. Latimer thrilled his army of Rangiuru (Te Puke) Club fans a couple of weeks ago, when he turned out for his club team in a Baywide Division One match at Jamieson Oval.

Last season the Steamers front row matched it with the big guns of the competition. New recruits Tristan Moran and Daniel Perrin, will join experienced Steamers campaigners James McGougan, Joe Savage, Josh Hohneck and John Pareanga.

One player, who has been in rampant form in the Bartercard Baywide Premier club competition, is former Reporoa College youngster Sam Cane. The rising star who was selected for New Zealand Secondary Schools side last season, will provide extra firepower to what was one of the best loose forward units in the country last season.

Luke Braid, Solomon King, Tanerau Latimer played havoc with the ball in hand last year. Coupled with Colin Bourke from the back of the scrum, the Steamers have a loose forward unit that should trouble the other ITM Cup contenders.
  
Bay of Plenty Steamers
Forwards: James McGougan, Joe Savage, Josh Hohneck, Tristan Moran, Daniel Perrin, John Pareanga, Cullum Rettalick, John Moore, Luke Andrews, Colin Bourke (captain) Luke Braid, Sam Cane, Solomon King, Tanerau Latimer.
Backs: Josh Hall, Dan Waenga, Mike Delany. Nick McCashin, Brett Mather, Cory Aporo, Grant McQuoid, Phil Burleigh, Ben Smith, Jason Hona, Lance MacDonald, Leilia Masaga, Toby Arnold.

Additional players to train with the squad. Aidan Kuka, Luke Katene, Chad Tuoro.

Head Coach: Sean Horan Assistant Coach: Steve Miln    Manager: Ross Everiss

2010 Steamers Pre-Season Games
9 July v Manawatu at Reporoa
14 July v Hawkes Bay at Napier
23 July v Taranaki at Whakatane