Bop Mafia readies for Barmy Army

Steamers supporter Brian Hodge, who will be among the sell-out crowd in Rotorua tomorrow. Picture / Alan Gibson

Brian Hodge's kids were horrified when he first dressed up in short-shorts, face paint and bright-blue wig to support his beloved Bay of Plenty team.

But that was before they saw him in a victory parade when the Steamers beat Auckland in the Ranfurly Shield last year.

"Then they thought I was really cool," the 39-year-old Tauranga soil analyst said.

Mr Hodge is donning his garb again for Saturday's game against the Lions.

He and fellow fans from the Bay of Plenty supporters club, the Bop Mafia, are planning a verbal assault on the enemy at Rotorua International Stadium.

Mr Hodge has made half a dozen banners to support his team.

The character he dresses up as is known as Honki Bop (not to be confused with Hori Bop, featured in yesterday's paper). Honki Bop has appeared on and off at games in the past.

Mr Hodge reincarnated him two years ago when Baypark Stadium in Mount Maunganui became the Steamers' home ground. He wanted locals to get behind the team and the new base.

He said Honki Bop encouraged fans to cheer louder and the players responded with better form.

"It really did lift them. They were wrapped with all the support."

He expects the Lions to be no match for Bay of Plenty.

"You're in trouble Lions and you know it," he said.