Otumoetai pose a threat after securing a 16-all draw against Pacific Sharks Premier in their last outing and a hefty 50-6 win over Taupo Phoenix.
"They are a top team," said Parata. "But I'm very confident that we could be right up there challenging for the title when the competition kicks off for real."
Meanwhile it's the last chance saloon for Ngongotaha Chiefs who are vying for one of the two spots left for the Premier grade when they play Taneatua Warriors at Puketawhero Park.
Ngongotaha started the grading round positively with a 48-28 home win over Putauaki Stags but saw their confidence knocked after a 46-14 away loss against Mangakino Hawks in their last run out.
But Taneatua Warriors have only been able to have one run out so far in an opening 46-12 loss to Mangakino Hawks.
Ngongotaha coach Jason Walker said the crucial match was a "must-win" for his team.
"Everyone in the team is very focused - we all want to play premier league so this is pretty big for us," he said. "I'm pleased with the progress I've seen but we fell away against Mangakino - you've got to keep playing for all of the game.
"I can't give away any of our game plan but I'm confident we can get that result we need. It would be nice to think that we could set up some big derby games against Pikiao Warriors' top team."
BOPDRL and Coastline combined district competition
Saturday
Grading games - round 3 fixtures:
Section 1: Taupo Phoenix Premier v Pacific Sharks Premier, Hickling Park, Taupo, kick-off 2.30pm.
Otumoetai Eels Premier v Pikiao Warriors Premier, Mitchell Park, Tauranga, kick-off 2.30pm.
Section 2: Taupo Phoenix reserves v Pacific Sharks reserves, Hickling Park, Taupo, kick-off 1pm.
Otumoetai Eels reserves v Pikiao Warriors reserves, Mitchell Park, Tauranga, kick-off 1pm.
Section 3: Ngongotaha Chiefs v Taneatua Warriors, Puketawhero Park, Rotorua, kick-off 1pm.
Putauaki Stags v Mangakino Hawks, Te Teko Pavilion, Te Teko, kick-off 1pm.
Section 4: Papamoa Bulldogs v Tauhara te Maunga, Gordon Spratt Reserve, Papamoa, kick-off 1pm.
Te Teko Bulldogs - bye.