NEW ARRIVAL: Whakarewarewa fullback Whaimotu Craft-Chemis has been good this year scoring 11 tries. Whaka will host Rotoiti tomorrow at Puarenga Park. PHOTO/ ARCHIVE
Baywide premier
If you get down to a Whakarewarewa match this season, chances are you will notice one of the East Coast boys.
Whakarewarewa will host Rotoiti tomorrow in another historic Rotorua derby match. But this year Whaka boast some new stars.
Three players from East Coast (Gisborne) have joined the club this year - Whaimotu Craft-Chemis, Ricky Waitoa and Te Rangi Fraser.
The trio all live together near Kuirau Park and have become a nuisance for opposition teams playing Whaka this season.
They have also turned some heads among Bay of Plenty Steamers selectors, making the 43-man trial squad for the up-coming ITM Cup season.
"It means a lot to play for Whaka because I know what the jersey means to the club," Craft-Chemis said. '
Fullback Craft-Chemis is currently top try scorer at the club with 11 tries and said he was enjoying his time in Rotorua.
"It is good. The rugby is a bit more of a higher standard here," he said.
"This is my first year at fullback but I should have started there. You get more ball, more time and see a lot more."
He said Waitoa, Fraser and himself all decided to come to Rotorua after their East Coast coach, and current Whaka coach, Ngarimu Simpkins asked them to come and play.
The trio have all represented East Coast in the Heartland Championship and wanted to try and make the ITM Cup this year.
"The reason why I came here was to try and make the Steamers," Craft-Chemis said.
Waitoa said he was also enjoying his rugby here and was looking forward to tomorrow's big game against Rotoiti.
The impressive lock said when the two clubs first met in round one it was a tough derby.
"It was one of the hardest games I have ever played in my life. They have got a tough, big forward pack and just seeing legends like Wayne Ormond in there is pretty scary," he said.
"It will be another real tough match on Saturday, a State of Origin match."
The pair said life in Rotorua was pretty good and they were spending a lot of time at the Polynesian Spa and the gym.
Tomorrow's match is a big one for Rotorua's two premier clubs. Rotoiti sit in fourth spot on the ladder while Whaka are right behind them in fifth.
The Tai Mitchell Shield will also be up for grabs, which is currently held by Whaka.
Baywide premier draw tomorrow
(2.45pm start/development game 1pm)
Whakarewarewa v Rotoiti, Puarenga Park; Te Puna v Opotiki, Maramatanga Park; Tauranga v Rangataua, Tauranga Domain; Te Puke v Greerton Marist, Murray Salt Stadium; Mount Maunganui v Rangiuru, Blake Park.
It is that time of the year when the weather forecast becomes as important as race form.