Rugby: Steamers: Is this winning mix?

Johan Bardoul (with ball) has been included in the Steamers' squad for the upcoming ITM Cup. Photo / Stephen Parker

The first act in what Bay of Plenty rugby supporters hope is the dawning of a new winning era was made yesterday with the naming of the Steamers' ITM Cup squad.

The coaching duo of Clayton McMillan and assistant Rodney Gibbs have selected 15 uncapped players and 20 returning players.

Blues lock Culum Retallick and Tauranga Sports No8 Carl Axtens were named as co-captains of this year's team that will be under no illusion regarding what is expected of them after the Steamers crashed to bottom of the second-tier Championship in 2014.

Head coach McMillan said they had gone a long way to achieving the balance between experienced players and those coming through the system.

"We know this is an extremely competitive competition and believe the players we have picked are good men, hard-working and motivated to perform," he said.

"It is important this team represents our region. This is reflected in players from numerous clubs being represented in the final squad. We ideally would like to contract locally and we believe we have given everybody who has played Baywide rugby a fair crack."

A total of six players from Rotorua clubs have been named in the 35-man squad including Joe Royal, Siegfried Fisiihoi, Zak Hohneck, Papa Wharewera (Rotoiti), Te Rangi Fraser and Whaimotu Craft-Chemis (Whakarewarewa).

"There were a few positions where we felt the quality was not there this year and that has forced our hand to go outside the province. We are really happy with the guys we have brought in and feel they are going to add some value.

"They have all been accepted into the group and trained very hard. They are all motivated to perform very well for Bay of Plenty and I would not have brought them here if I didn't think they were capable of doing a job for us.

"We are looking forward to earning the respect of our supporters and stakeholders by playing with passion and a brand of rugby synonymous with the Bay of Plenty."

Notable new players are midfielders Terrence Hepetema (Leicester Tigers) and Lalakai Foketi (Melbourne Rebels), former Manawatu halfback Wharewera (Rotoiti), Canterbury hooker Seb Siataga, Wellington outside back Chase Tiatia, former Highlanders fullback Craig Clare and Hawke's Bay winger Brynn Uriarau.

Recent New Zealand Under-20 reps Aidan Ross and Troy Callender are seen as quality players with long-term futures in a Steamers jersey.

-Steamers' 35-man squad:

Hookers: Nathan Harris (Te Puke Sports), Joe Royal (Rotoiti), Seb Siataga (Canterbury); Props: Solomona Sakalia (Mount Maunganui), Aidan Ross (Te Puke Sports), Siegfried Fisiihoi (Rotoiti), Pingi Tala'apitagi (Tauranga Sports), Mike Kainga (Mount Maunganui), Jeff Thwaites (Tauranga Sports); Locks: Tim Bond (Te Puke Sports), Troy Callander (Greerton Marist), Keepa Mewett (Tauranga Sports), Culum Retallick (Tauranga Sports), Brodie Retallick (Tauranga Sports); Loose Forwards: Sam Cane (Chiefs), Johan Bardoul (Chiefs), Shahn Eru (Te Puna), Zak Hohneck (Rotoiti), Carl Axtens (Tauranga Sports), Joe Tupe (Greerton Marist); Halfbacks: Jono Kitto (Te Puke Sports), Te Aihe Toma (Te Puna), Papa Wharewera (Rotoiti); First five-eighths: Dan Hollinshead (Te Puke Sports), Nick Evemy (Tauranga Sports), Te Rangi Fraser (Whakarewarewa); Midfield backs: Terrence Hepetema (Te Puna), Caleb Hall (Greerton Marist), Lalakai Foketi (Rangataua); Outside backs: Chase Tiatia (Rangataua), Leroy van Dam (Greerton Marist), Tino Nemani (Greerton Marist), Brynn Uriarau (Te Puke Sports), Craig Clare (Paroa), Whaimotu Craft-Chemis (Whakarewarewa).