Both the Chiefs and Hurricanes head coaches were in the stands so you could be right.
As an aside it was an interesting game. I'm not sure BOP were good or made to look good by the quality of the opposition. Maybe a bit of both. Either way I liked the different game plan they had last night... none of the usual territorial percentage rugby and a lot more risky running and passing .
@KiwiPie I've heard stories of concussion but can't recall an incident in the game. The lack of rotation during storm week is a bit odd though.
In the absence of anyone else I thought I would start this . A big chunk of the BOP team has been released via social media so here's a list of those that are confirmed and possible additions :-
Hookers...Kurt Ekland
From last year Taine Kolose is playing club rugby and I'm unaware where Nathan Vella is. Sione Tupai is another option.
Props...Aiden Ross
Benet Kumeroa
Josh Bartlett
Pasilo Tosi
I'm assuming that Jeff Thwaites and John Afoa won't be returning. From last year Alex Johnson is playing club rugby. Fa'auma Kupita, looks an option as does Aotura Seeling,
Locks...Justin Sangster
Manaki Selby Ricket
Naitoa Ah Kuoi
Samasi Paea
Loose Forwards...Nikora Broughton
Jacob Norris
I'm not sure what is happening with Sam Cane but assume he will be part of the team. Joe Johnson (played for the Bay and Waikato previously) is playing club rugby as is Grady Forbes (brother of Cole who played a couple of games as a reserve for BOP last year). Brooke Mitchell, Aisake Vakasiuola (from the Chiefs under 20's), Etonia Waqa and Penitoa Finau are options.
Half Back...Richard Judd
I'm pretty sure Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi will be confirmed. I assume Leroy Carter is now termed an outside back.
First Fives...Kaleb Trask
Lucas Cashmore
I'm unsure of what the injury situation is with Cashmore but Trask is back playing club rugby after 14 months injured. I'm unsure where Wharenui Hawera, from last year is. I like the look of Taine Craig-Ranga from last years Toa.
Midfield...Seamus Bardoul
Reon Paul
Lalomilo Lalomilo from last year has been playing club rugby. Kase Meyer is a possiblity.
Outside backs..Leroy Carter
Codemeru Vai
Fehi Fimeanganafo
Emoni Narawa
Cole Forbes
All sorts of options here. Ngaroha McGarvey-Black, Roderick Solo, Joe Webber, Sekuni Tanimo or Frank Vaenuku. An interesting option could be the slightly built Fletcher Carpenter who must be the top points scorer in local club rugby.
So, that's all I know which probably isn't that much. There is still loads of of players yet to be named. I haven't watched much club rugby and I understand there are plenty of new players playing there. Most of my suggestions are from those who played last year or from the Chiefs under 20 team.
Anyway the team so far seems to have a familiar look to it with plenty of experience, a fairly solid forward pack and loads of speed out wide.
Does anyone know about any other signings, possible signings or what I have got wrong ?
Does anyone have details of the location and starting time for the BOP v Manawatu game this weekend ?
2023 Bay of Plenty Steamers squad
Aidan Ross (Te Puke Sports)
Alex Johnston (Te Puke Sports) *
Benet Kumeroa (Rangiuru)
Carlos Price (Mount Maunganui) *
Codemeru Vai (Judea) *
Cole Forbes (Te Puke Sports)
Emoni Narawa (Tauranga Sports)
Etonia Waqa (Te Puna)
Fehi Fineanganofo (Judea) *
Funahashi Ryosuke (Mount Maunganui) *
Jeff Thwaites (Te Puna)
John Afoa (Katikati) *
Josh Bartlett (Tauranga Sports)
Justin Sangster (Te Puna)
Kaleb Trask (Tauranga Sports)
Kurt Eklund (Mount Maunganui) - Captain
Lalomilo Lalomilo (Greerton Marist)
Leroy Carter (Tauranga Sports)
Lucas Cashmore (Tauranga Sports)
Manaaki Selby-Rickit (Mount Maunganui)
Melani Nanai (Mount Maunganui)
Naitoa Ah Kuoi (Whakarewarewa)
Nathan Vella (Mount Maunganui)
Ngarohi Mcgarvey-Black (Ruatoki Sports Club) *
Nikora Broughton (Rangiuru)
Pasilio Tosi (Greerton Marist)
Penitoa Finau (Greerton Marist)
Richard Judd (Mount Maunganui)
Roderick Solo (Mount Maunganui)
Sam Cane (Reporoa)
Seamus Bardoul (Tauranga Sports)
Sekuini Tanimo (Greerton Marist)
Semisi Paea (Ngongotaha)
Taine Kolose (Rangiuru) *
Tamiro Armstrong (Tauranga Sports)
Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Rotoiti)
Veveni Lasaqa (Greerton Marist)
Wharenui Hawera (Judea)
2023 Bay of Plenty Steamers Management Group
Head Coach: Richard Watt
Assistant Coach: James Porter
Assistant Coach: Pingi Tala'apitaga
Manager: Wayne Brill
Head Strength & Conditioning: Scott Joblin
Assistant Strength & Conditioning: Te Manawa Ngawhika
Head Physio: Simon Robins
Assistant Physio: Brandon Olsen
Doctor: Dr Sophie Thomas
Analyst: Brad Morgan
Performance Analyst: Tom Martin