An 86-24 win to the Bay of Plenty Steamers has been predicted by some of the team's smallest fans for when the Bay side takes to the field for their first game of the 2015 ITM Cup on Friday.

Loughie Keaney, 9, with Pingi Talaapitaga and Steamers' co-captain Carl Axtens. Photos by: Cameron Avery.

Organised by Bay of Plenty Rugby Union and Cobb & Co Restaurant and Saloon, the Junior Open Day at The Lakes Oval offered junior rugby fans the chance to rub shoulders with their favourite players this morning.

Some young fans made some bold predictions ahead of the home game against North Harbour on August 14.

Eight-year-old Max Stowe told SunLive the score will be 86-24 to the Steamers.

"I like them because they are our local team,” says Max.

Nine-year-old Loughie Keaney guesses it will be an 18-15 win to the boys in blue and gold.

"I like the Steamers because I live in the Bay of Plenty. They are the local team and they play well when they put their minds to it.”

Diaz Churchward, 10, gets an autograph from a Steamers Player.

Emma Boud, 2, Katie Elsom, 9, and five-year-olds Hannah Boud and Luke Elsom have recently moved to Tauranga and are looking forward to backing their new team.

Ahead of Friday's game, the Steamers' will visit Arataki Primary, Merivale Primary, Pyes Pa Primary, Bellevue Primary, Mount Maunganui Intermediate, Te Akau Ki Papamoa and Matua Primary School on Wednesday, August 12, as part of the Step Up School Visits.

The Steamers take on North Harbour at ASB Baypark on Friday, August 14, for their first game of the 2015 ITM Cup season. Kick-off is at 8.05pm.

Bay of Plenty's draw for the 2015 ITM Cup:

Week 1: vs North Harbour at ASB Baypark – Friday August 14, 8.05pm

Week 2: vs Tasman at Trafalgar Park (away) – Friday August 21, 7.35pm

Week 3: vs Southland at ASB Baypark – Wednesday August 26, 7.35pm

Week 4: vs Waikato at Tauranga Domain – Sunday August 30, 2.35pm

Week 5: vs Counties Manukau at ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe – Sunday September 6, 4.35pm

Week 6: vs Taranaki at Rotorua International Stadium – Saturday September 12, 5.35pm

Week 7: vs Hawkes Bay (Ranfurly Shield) at McLean Park, Napier – Saturday September 19, 2.35pm

Week 8: vs Northland at Toll Stadium, Whangarei – Friday September 25, 7.35pm

Week 9: vs Wellington at ASB Baypark – Sunday October 4, 4.35pm

Week 10: vs Otago at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin – Sunday October 11, 7.35pm

Semi-finals: Friday October 16 – Saturday October 17

Finals: Friday October 23 and Saturday October 24

Kahurangi Moore, 4, getting a signed card from her favourite player Joe Royal.

Katie Elsom, 9, gets a signed card from Joe Royal.

Emma Boud, 2, Hannah Boud, 5, Katie Elsom, 9, and Luke Elsom, 5, have recently moved to Tauranga and will be "backing a new team" this year.

Jamin Lietze with Ruby, 2, and Noah, 6.

Lachie Stewart, 9, with Max Stowe, 8, who guesses the score will be 86-24, to the Steamers on Friday.