Steamers 2019

[trooa]

Ravouvou signed from 7s/Auckland, will provide some x factor to our backline. Joe Johnston & Abe Papalii in the flankers.

[Stargazer]

Former professional NRL player signs with Steamers

Former Roosters NRL league player Abraham Papali'i has signed to play for the Bay of Plenty Steamers for this year’s Mitre 10 Cup.

More info in the media release.

[Canes4life]

@Snollygoster Isn't Leaupepe (Hurricanes) a Steamer?

[Stargazer]

@Canes4life He'll probably playing at the RWC.

[Stargazer]

The 2019 Steamers squad has been announced:

.

Media release: http://www.boprugby.co.nz/news--information/2019-mitre-10-cup-bay-of-plenty-steamers-squad-announcement/

[Daffy Jaffy]

@Stargazer 3 hookers and 2 props out of the Auckland front row supermarket.

[trooa]

Team looks a lot stronger and more balanced than last year. Must have signed Vella/Eklund thinking Harris was going to be with the AB's, tough slog for the other 3 as they'll try give Harris as much time as possible.
Interested to see how Archie White goes, presuming that is part of the NZ Rugby/Harlequins relationship.

[KiwiPie]

Anyone want to have a guess at the starting XV for Sunday? Not seen any rugby this season so I can't rank a lot of the players.

Alex Ainley could be a good acquisition for a season, we have struggled to retain locks over the years.

[trooa]

@KiwiPie Ross Harris Thwaites Wardlaw Carroll Blake Karpik Papalii Judd Hollinshead Fuatai Garland Webber Narawa Tiatia started last week when they beat Counties 34-0. Be surprised if they change anything. Ainley didn't play last week so not sure where he is in the pecking order.

[Tim]

Thoughts on Wardlaw?

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/front-page-top-stories/news/article.cfm?c_id=698&objectid=12274496

[Stargazer]

Didn't know where else to post this.

[Higgins]

Is that the thing being run by the guy that is the driving force behind the Western Force?

[Stargazer]

@Higgins Yep, that's it! Managed to finally find the "Global Rapid Rugby" thread.

If I can find more info on the Steamers' rapid rugby plans, I'll post it in that thread.