The heat is on the 2009 Bay of Plenty Steamers as they commence a long campaign this Friday, 10 July, which will run until the end of October.

The first of the Steamers three Air New Zealand Cup preparatory encounters will kick off in New Plymouth, when the Steamers take to the field against Taranaki.
After last season's top four finish in the round robin section of the Air New Zealand Cup, the myriad of Steamers fans will have high expectations as the 2009 representative season kicks off.
Plenty of last year's stars have again earned Steamers selections. Few players in the Air New Zealand Cup made a bigger impression than dynamic flanker Luke Braid. The New Zealand age group representative, was like a greyhound around the field, chasing the loose ball with fierce determination.
One of the most improved players last year was loosehead prop Joe Savage, who was highly competitive against the best front rows in the country. The Whakarewarewa club player has been handed the skippers role while Tanerau Latimer is away on All Black duty.
The Steamers will again be well served in the engine room with John Moore and Culum Rettalick locking the scrum. Another dynamic performer last season was Solomon King wearing number eight.
In the backline Cory Aporo, Nigel Hunt and Jason Hona will bring plenty of last years experience to the side - and are sure to show the way to the new Steamers recruits of Nick McCashin and Clinton Toopi.
Season colds and injuries have brought a couple of replacements to the team. Dean Elmiger who proved a more than able replacement hooker last season, will turn out in Fridays encounter, with Steven Wallace at halfback making his Steamers debut.
Another to be promoted to the top echelon of Bay of Plenty representative rugby is Hinimona Marr, who will sit on the replacement player's bench. The talented youngster was playing for Rotorua Boys High XV just 12 months ago.

Steamers v Taranaki
1 Joe Savage (captain) 2 Dean Elmiger 3 Josh Hohneck 4 John Moore 5 Culum Rettalick 6 Matt Vant Leven 7 Luke Braid 8 Solomon King 9 Steven Wallace 10 Nick McCashin 11 Jason Hona 12 Cory Aporo 13 Nigel Hunt 14 Clinton Toopi 15 Toby Arnold.
Reserves: John Pareanga, Ted Tauroa, Josh Olsen, Josh Katene, Kelly Haimona, Haimona Marr, Wayne Hughson.

2009 Steamers Pre-Season Games
10 July v Taranaki @ Taranaki at 3pm.
17 July v Counties Manukau @ Rugby Park, Whakatane at 3pm.
24 July v Hawkes Bay @ Tauranga at 2pm.

For more information contact Sean Horan, Steamers manager, phone 07 927 1310 or 029 201 4240.