A physical and experienced Steamers line-up has been named to execute their game plan tonight in New Plymouth against the Taranaki Bulls.

Bay of Plenty Steamers head coach Clayton McMillan is meeting the challenge head on. Captain and centurion Culum Retallick, will feature in a total of eight changes to the starting fifteen who edged out Manawatu last Friday night.

Aidan Ross moves from the bench to combine with Sabastian Siataga and tighthead prop Jeff Thwaites. Retallick moves into the starting locking duo with Troy Callander. Jesse Parete will return from injury to start at six, with Henry Stowers earning a start in the number seven jersey and Tyler Ardron starting again at eight.

In the backs Luke Campbell and Kelly Haimona will combine in a new nine ten combination. Lalakai Foketi moves from centre to second five eight with Liam Steel donning the number thirteen jersey. Chase Tiatia will move from fullback to the left wing making way for Isaac Te Aute at fullback. Monty Ioane will remain as the starting right winger.

The Lay brothers will take their position on the bench alongside James O'Reilly and lock Tom Franklin. Mike Delany will return from injury wearing the number 21 jersey. Utility back Elijah Nicholas will complete the reserves.

Hugh Blake has been called in to replace Mitchell Karpik in the number 20 jersey due to injury.

The Bay of Plenty Steamers team is as follows:

1. Aidan Ross (17)

2. Sabastian Siataga (10)

3. Jeff Thwaites (13)

4. Troy Callander (15)

5. Culum Retallick (106) - Captain

6. Jess Parete (12)

7. Henry Stowers (13)

8. Tyler Adron (3)

9. Luke Campbell (8)

10. Kelly Haimona (26)

11. Chase Tiatia (18)

12. Lalakai Foketi (22)

13. Liam Steel (3)

14. Monty Ioane (15)

15. Isaac Te Aute (13)

Reserves:

16. James O'Reilly (12)

17. Jordan Lay (2)

18. James Lay (2)

19. Tom Franklin (3)

20. Hugh Blake

21. Mike Delany (64)

22. Terrence Hepetema (11)

23. Elijah Nicholas (9)

() Denotes number of games

* Denotes Bay of Plenty Steamers debut

** Denotes Blazer game

Game Details:

Friday 15 September

Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth

Taranaki Bulls vs. Bay of Plenty Steamers

Kick off 7.45pm