The Steamers squad for 2014 might be full of fresh faces but they have gone back to an old tradition this week to reconnect with their fan base at the extremities of their far flung Bay of Plenty region.
On Tuesday, the players, coaches and support staff travelled two hours to Opotiki College, where they ran skills sessions with the school's First XV and under-14 teams, and then did it all again on Wednesday at Katikati College.
Steamers head coach Kevin Schuler regarded the school visits as crucially important in connecting with the team's grass roots support base.
"When the team assembles and we get busy with trainings and all our other promotional stuff, often you don't get time in the broader region that supports you," Schuler said.
"It is great at a time like this. We can get out and do some mix-and-mingle really and have some fun with the kids and have a bit of a connection.