Steamers 2016

Snollygoster

Okay, with a couple of months till the BOP season gets into gear, I'm just wondering the possible make up of the squad. The local press and BOPRU haven't been exactly forthcoming with news on individual players
 
Of the 36 players named on the BOPRU website from the 2016 team I figure there are at least 6 or 7 who won't be back :-
 
Tim Bond off to Japan.
Carl Axtens off to France.
Brodie Retellick contracted back with Hawkes Bay.
Jono Kitto off to The UK.
Mike Kianga off to play for Taranaki.
Van Dam headed down country apparently.
 
Theres a few I am uncertain of though :-
 
Bryn Uriarau hasn't fronted for Te Puke Sports this season and I understood has moved south but have heard stories about him being involved with Mount rugby.
Callum Retallick is playing for the Rebels in super rugby and I am uncertain if he will be back.
Nick Evemy hasn't played all season with a broken ankle but I assume he will be back.
Tino Nemani is in France playing but apparently will be back at some stage.
Troy Callender has been away overseas but is due back soon apparently.
I am unsure what Whaimotu Craft Chemis, Craig Clare, Zak Hohnek or Papa Whareware are doing.
 
All the remaining players listed from last year are either playing club rugby locally or are in the Chiefs or Chiefs development teams so I assume they are contracted to BOP or are available.
 
So....Do any of you know what's happening with certain players ?
 Who do you think won't make it from last year's squad ?
 I know there are few new recruits been signed. Do any of you know of any potential players putting their hands up for selection ?

Higgins

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Snollygoster" data-cid="584383" data-time="1464727930">
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Bryn Uriarau hasn't fronted for Te Puke Sports this season and I understood has moved south but have heard stories about him being involved with Mount rugby.</div>
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He is showing as registered at the Mt Maunganui Sports Club Inc as a Premier Grade player for 2016 if that is any help.
 
Papa Wharewera is not registered for any club in New Zealand yet for 2016 so either he is not playing at all or is overseas playing somewhere. My access to the NZRFU Player Registration Database does not give my sufficient access to his record to see if an official clearance from the NZRFU has been issued allowing him to play overseas. Whaimotu Craft-Chemis is in exactly the same boat.
 
Craig Clare is registered for 2016 at the Ruapehu Rugby Football and Sports Club in Northern Wanganui.
 
Nicholas Evemy is amongst the Tauranga Rugby Sports and Recreation Club Inc list of registered players for 2016 as from April 28 which is an indication that he might play at some stage. Zack Hohneck is in a similar situation at the Rotoiti Community and Sports Association Inc as of April 15.
 
Culum Retallick is not registered with any club in New Zealand for 2016 as of the time of writing this so anyone wanting easy points would simply have to fire in a protest against any team he takes the field for and they points will be automatically awarded to them if this non registered status continues. Another Blues contracted player that I checked out of interest, Hoani Matenga, is also in the same boat. Playing unregistered players will certainly land them in a power of shit if anyone decides to take issue with that. There must be some nervous folks in the Blues front office if my quick search is proven to be accurate and news of it leaks out.
 
I might even be tempted to let everyone know that Josh Bekhuis' last valid player registration was with the Star Club in 2015 and a transfer request to the College Rifles RFC for 2015 was subsequently declined.
 
Billy-John Guyton would be another that might have trouble in the protest room should his right to legally take the field in 2016 be questioned. I wonder if a search for a current registration for Matt Duffie will have any success?
 
I suspect that George Moala will cause the NZRFU severe embarrassment should he take the field against the Welsh given that, at the time of writing, he is ineligible to take the field for his Grammar-TEC club side as he is not registered with them (or anyone else for that matter).
 
I would not be surprised if Lolagi Visinia has officially retired as the only registration for 2016 he carries at this stage is one as a Resource Coach with the Auckland RFU so that might explain his absence these last few weeks.
 
Another wearing a coaches hat is Jack Ram who is listed as a coach at the Northland RFU academy for 2016 alongside his registration as a senior player at the Kamo Rugby and Squash Club.

Cpt Kumera

carl should be back , was a medical joker and was gona be back for itm cup

Snollygoster

Wow !! Good detective work there Higgins ! Absolutely fascinating on who is and isn't registered. It defies belief that such non-registrations could fly under the radar actually in today's world of professionalism and managers.
 
Interesting what you say about Axtens CPT Kumara.
 
All in all though the team should have a relatively settled look with possibly a few additions to plug the holes Lets look at the possibilities :-
 
One prop...I'm not sure who they may have in mind. Liam Polwart is the only tight forward that I know of who has been signed on but he is a hooker.
 
At least one (possibly two) locks)... I have no news on any possibilities
 
Assuming Axtens returns then no extras are needed but several have been signed so expect possible changes.
Henry Stowers....NZU20 loose forward from the Wellington academy whose been playing in the Chiefs development
Mitch Karpik...Blonde loose forward poached from Auckland who is presently injured but was selected for the Chiefs
Hayden Anderson...Played last year for Thames Valley at 6 and the Heartland team who is in the Chiefs development team.
Eru Wanu.. Was on the fringe last year and I'm pretty sure is contracted.
 
At least one halfback...Possibly Luke Campbell who has been bought up from Wellington after playing in the NZU20 who is a good back up goal kicker also.
 
Possibly a few outside backs... A few options here.
Monty Loane. Oddly contracted last year to BOP but loaned to Ta$man. I think has played in the Chiefs development team this year.
Isaac Te Aute Fresh from school who has played in the NZ sevens 
Joe Webber from last years Waikato team who is injured presently but is a regular with The NZ sevens team.
Teddy Stanoway. A vice captain of the Steamers a couple of years back but got concussed so had little game time Presently in the NZ sevens te
 
I have no doubt there are other contenders floating about. The final selection will be interesting as always.

Cpt Kumera

im sure pingi and ziggy will be back..

Cpt Kumera

carl had his 1st game for the top side toulouse against grenoble the other day and they won , in grenoble was tino nemani

KiwiPie

Bardoul is out for a while which is a worry, Tiatia also injured and hence not in the frame for Chiefs v Wales. Monty Ioane called into the Chiefs squad as cover for Glen Fish whose season is over.
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.voxy.co.nz/sport/5/254140'>http://www.voxy.co.nz/sport/5/254140</a>

Cpt Kumera

whaimotu is in australia i think so most probably not coming back

Snollygoster

<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11669842'>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11669842</a>

Cpt Kumera

good to see kelly back

Higgins

Is this guy any good?
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/82131777/scotland-rugby-international-hugh-blake-returns-to-nz-with-bop'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/82131777/scotland-rugby-international-hugh-blake-returns-to-nz-with-bop</a>
 
I have never heard of him so hopefully someone from the Mafia can give us their opinion of whether he is any good or not. Although he has played an international for Scotland is he capable of making a decent impression at Mitre10 Cup level?

Snollygoster

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Higgins" data-cid="596652" data-time="1468542525">
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Is this guy any good?
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/82131777/scotland-rugby-international-hugh-blake-returns-to-nz-with-bop'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/82131777/scotland-rugby-international-hugh-blake-returns-to-nz-with-bop</a>
 
I have never heard of him so hopefully someone from the Mafia can give us their opinion of whether he is any good or not. Although he has played an international for Scotland is he capable of making a decent impression at Mitre10 Cup level?
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</blockquote>
 
No idea Higgins. A quick google says that he played most of his early years for Waikato and then moved to Scotland at a young age but he must have some ability to play at international level. Experience is always good so hopefully a smart signing. With Stowers and Anderson already signed it seems our loose forward stocks are looking good.Actually plenty of speed and experience being recruited in the backs also :-
 
<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503343&objectid=11673863'>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503343&objectid=11673863</a>
 
Now all we need is some meaty tight forwards. With the team officially announced in the next week or so things are beginning to get interesting.

Cpt Kumera

I think carl has signed to extend his stint in france, was only a short term, but good on him, hes gone to a good club

GagaBoy

Team named Sunday or Monday this week. Seems like we have signed a heap of 7s exponents - shame that isn't the format we'll be playing! Having said that, forwards hasn't been our issue the last couple of seasons, maybe our backs will look a little more cohesive. Any word on whether Callum Retallick is returning?

KiwiPie

I have added all our fixtures to www.bopmafia.com and also added a new poll for you to vote on. Vote early, vote often ....

KiwiPie

Steamers Squad - the full press release

<strong>MEDIA RELEASE: EMBARGO UNTIL 6.00AM SATURDAY 23 JULY</strong>

<br><strong>2016 Steamers Team Announced&nbsp;</strong><br><br><span style="font-size:12px;"><strong>July 23, 2016</strong></span><br>
&nbsp;

<div style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Helvetica;font-size:15px;text-align:center;">
The Bay of Plenty Steamers management today have named their 2016 squad for the upcoming 2016 Mitre 10 Cup season. 
 
Head coach Clayton McMillan believes they have assembled a squad with a good blend of enthusiastic debutants and experience, with 24 capped players in the team. 
 
â€œWeâ€™ve selected an outstanding group of men, hardworking, competitive, and highly motivated to perform.â€ 
 
â€œThe fourteen new faces, will give us an exciting blend of youth and experience and importantly, depth throughout,â€ said McMillan. 
 
There are 24 players returning to the Steamers which include Italian international Kelly Haimona and New Zealand All Black sevens player Teddy Stanaway. 
 
The fourteen new players who have been selected in the Steamers squad will be expected to make their Mitre 10 Cup debut this season. Including four international sevens playersâ€™, Joe Webber, Regan Ware, Isaac Te Aute and Hugh Blake. 
 
Within the 37 man squad ten of the twelve premier club sides are represented from across the Bay of Plenty. 
 
â€œThis team represents our region. The quality of club rugby has improved, and as a result, we have a competiton thatâ€™s going down to the wire and brought a lot of excitement back to our club scene. The by product of that is more players have been given an opportunity to shine, and this is reflected in the final squadâ€ 
 
â€œThe team understand the demands and challenges ahead, but have prepared accordingly and are ready to meet those challenges head on. 
 
â€œWe are not a team of household names but are determined to create a legacy of success, bring some mana back to the jersey, and earn the respect of our supporters and stakeholders by playing a brand of rugby synonymous with the Bay of Plenty.â€ 
 
Bay of Plenty Rugby Unionâ€™s CEO Mike Rogers said â€œThe Mitre 10 Cup is the toughest provincial rugby competition in the world and every year it throws up some amazing new young talent. The tradition and pride associated with representing your community is hugely important to everyone involved. 
 
The Bay of Plenty is a fantastic region and we are determined to show the rest of the Country how proud we are of the Bay.â€ 
 2016 Bay of Plenty Steamers Squad: Hookers: 
Nathan Harris â€“ Te Puke Sports (26), Liam Polwart* â€“ Greerton Marist, Joseph Royal â€“ Rotoiti (29), Sabastian Siataga â€“ Mount Maunganui (8) 
 Props: 
Siegfried Fisi'ihoi â€“ Rotoiti (18), Jordan Lay* â€“ Whakarewarewa, Aidan Ross â€“ Te Puke Sports (3), Solomona Sakalia â€“ Mount Maunganui (19), Pingi Tala'apitaga â€“ Tauranga Sports (34), Jeff Thwaites â€“ Te Puna (6) 
 Locks: 
Troy Callander â€“ Greerton Marist (7), Shahn Eru â€“ Te Puna (7), Keepa Mewett â€“ Tauranga Sports (17), Culum Retallick â€“ Tauranga Sports (92) 
 Loose Forwards: 
Matty Axtens* â€“ Mount Maunganui, Hugh Blake* â€“ Te Puke Sports, Sam Cane â€“ Tauranga Sports (18), Mitchell Karpik* â€“ Mount Maunganui, Jesse Parete* â€“ Arataki, Henry Stowers* â€“ Arataki, Eru Wano-Smith* â€“ Whakarewarewa, Joe Tupe â€“ Greerton Marist (23) 
 Half backs: 
Luke Campbell* â€“ Te Puke Sports, Ruki Tipuna â€“ Rangataua (12), Te Aihe Toma â€“ Te Puna (25) 
 First five-eights: 
Kelly Haimona â€“ Whakarewarewa (15), Dan Hollinshead â€“ Te Puke Sports (19) 
 Midfield backs: 
Lalakai Foketi â€“ Rangataua (10), Terrence Hepetema â€“ Te Puna (1), Teddy Stanaway â€“ Mount Maunganui (1), Joe Webber* â€“ Te Puke Sports 
 Outside backs: 
Te Rangi Fraser â€“ Whakarewarewa (10), Monty Ioane* â€“ Greerton Marist, Elijah Nicholas â€“ Whakatane Marist (6), Chase Tiatia â€“ Rangataua (11), Isaac Te Aute* â€“ Mount Maunganui, Regan Ware* â€“ Arataki 
 Injury Cover: 
Leigh Hughes* â€“ Mount Maunganui 
 Steamers Management: 
Head Coach: Clayton McMillan 
Assistant Coach: Rodney Gibbs 
Assistant Coach: David Hill 
Manager: Wayne Brill 
Strength and Conditioning Trainer: Brad Mayo 
Physiotherapist: Damian Banks 
Assistant Physiotherapist: Corey Stunell 
Doctor: Turuki Tahuri 
Video Analyst: Mark Roberts 
 
*Denotes Steamers debut 
() Denotes Steamers caps 
 Bay of Plentyâ€™s Pre-Season Draw: 
Steamers vs. Northland: Rugby Park, Whakatane â€“ Friday 5th August, 3.00pm 
Steamers vs. Auckland: To be confirmed, Auckland â€“ Friday 13th August, to be confirmed 
 Bay of Plentyâ€™s draw for the 2016 Mitre 10 Cup: 
Week 1: Steamers vs Taranaki at Tauranga Domain, Tauranga â€“ Saturday 20 August, 2.35pm 
Week 2: Steamers vs Counties Manukau at ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe â€“ Sunday 28 August, 4.35pm 
Week 3: Steamers vs Otago at Tauranga Domain, Tauranga â€“ Sunday 4 September, 2.35pm 
Week 4: Steamers vs Northland at Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua â€“ Friday 9 September, 5.45pm 
Week 5: Steamers vs Wellington at Westpac Stadium, Wellington â€“ Friday 16 September, 7.35pm 
Week 6: Steamers vs Southland at Rugby Park, Invercargill â€“ Wednesday 21 September, 7.35pm 
Week 6: Steamers vs Auckland at Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua â€“ Sunday 25 September, 4.35pm 
Week 7: Steamers vs North Harbour at QBE Stadium, Albany â€“ Saturday 1 October, 2.35pm 
Week 8: Steamers vs Manawatu at Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua â€“ Sunday 9 October, 4.35pm 
Week 9: Steamers vs Hawkes Bay at McLean Park, Napier â€“ Saturday 15 October, 5.35pm 
Semifinals: Friday 21 October â€“ Sunday 23 October 
Finals: Friday 28 October and Saturday 29 October 
 Ticketing: Pre-Season: 
Adults $15 
Children Under 14: $5 
Children Under 5: Free 
 Mitre 10 Cup: 
Adults: $20 
Children Under 14: $5 
 
*Note: Additional Booking fees apply for all ticket purchases. 
 Purchase: 
Bay of Plenty Rugby Union 
52 Miro Street 
Mount Maunganui 
 
Rotorua Convention Centre 
1170 Fenton St 
Rotorua
</div>

Snollygoster

Wow ! Some big surprises there for sure.
 
No Nemani or Bardoul ! Easily our best players from last year not returning ! I'm assuming there's an obvious reason but I would have thought they would have been the first to be selected. No Hohneck, Hall and Evemy either.
 
The return of 33 year old Ruki Tipuna. If my memory serves me right he was in the 04 shield challenge. Retalleck's return less surprising although one wonders how long his creaky old body will last.
 
Four hookers (and one as injury cover) seems a bit of an overkill. I would have thought we need more injury cover at lock.
 
All in all though, there's plenty of familiar faces and plenty of added speed in the backs so lets wait and see.

KiwiPie

<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Snollygoster" data-cid="599062" data-time="1469222484">
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The return of 33 year old Ruki Tipuna. If my memory serves me right he was in the 04 shield challenge. Retalleck's return less surprising although one wonders how long his creaky old body will last.
 
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He wasn't in the XV that won it (Senio was) but was definitely playing when they lost it to Canterbury.

Cpt Kumera

so whos gone from last year.tim bond,zak hohneck,.craig clare,mike kainga, johan bardoul.,whaimotu craft chemis,tino nemani.caleb hall,carl axtens,nick evenmy,papa wharewere.jono kitto,leroy van dam,bryn uriarau and <cough> Brodie rettalick<cough>.
any1 else
oh and keith Roberts?

Snollygoster

That looks about right Cpt Kumara. It does seem a lot of departures from a squad of 35-36 but its in line with the culling that went on last year.
 
On paper it looks a pretty inexperienced outfit when you look at the number of Super 15 players and the number of BOP caps but I rate some of the new faces so I'm hoping for (at least) an improvement from last year......

The Silver Fern

Steamers 2016