Bay of Plenty Steamers coach Clayton McMillan has stacked his team with a mixture of youth, excitement and experience for this year's Mitre 10 Cup.
A number of players from last year's winning Under-19 team have been rewarded with an elevation into the Steamers squad.
In his fifth year at the helm, McMillan said this year's squad has a good mixture of youth, enthusiasm and experience.
"Guys like halfback Leroy Carter, Lalomilo Lalomilo and a number of other players have put their hands up and have made it virtually impossible to look past them this season," she said.
But it's not just the young players who will bring excitement into the side.
Dan Hollinshead makes his welcome return to the Steamers squad after a two-year overseas hiatus with French Club Agen and Japanese club Coca Cola Red Sparks.
The first-five has come back rejuvenated and excited to pass down his experience with the young guns in the backline.
McMillan said it's not only in the backline where the coach sees young players stamping their mark in this year's competition.
"Tevita Mafileo made his Super Rugby debut for the Chiefs this year and I expect him to make an impact on the Mitre 10 Cup stage."
Former NRL player Abraham Papali'i is also looking to repay the faith shown by McMillan, who plucked the 1.95m, 115kg loose forward from the Auckland club rugby scene and has given him the opportunity to show his wares at a national level.
McMillan has called on former Tasman lock Alex Ainley to apply his trade in Bay colours this season.
The 38-year-old will bring invaluable experience to the likes of young lock Stan van den Hoven in his first stint with the Steamers.
Also signed for the Bay this season is English club, Harlequins', Archie White. The 21-year-old blindside flanker has played for England's Under-20 squad.
One thing the Steamers won't be short of is pace out wide with the likes of Chase Tiatia, Joe Webber, Joe Ravouvou and Emoni Narawa.
