The search for the Bay of Plenty Steamers to play in the ITM Cup has reached the final selection stage with Steamers head coach Sean Horan and assistant coach Paul Feeney naming the players who will take part in two Steamers XV games.

Unofficial Steamers mascot Hori BOP is not in the pre-season Steamers XV.

The Steamers XV will play North Harbour at Moore Park, Katikati, on Friday, June 24 and Taranaki in Inglewood on Wednesday, June 29.

'The Steamers XV squad that we have named gives a number of fringe players a further opportunity to showcase their skills before the return of our Super 15 players,” says Sean.

'A good example is the selection of halfbacks Josh Hall and Lewis Hancock, who have been in outstanding form in Baywide club rugby.”

The two games are the final trial for the non-contracted players to impress the selectors and make a final push for Steamers selection.

One former Steamer to return to the Bay uniform in the Steamers XV is Dan Goodwin, who has spent 12 months rehabilitating from injury.

'Dan brings a wealth of NPC experience both for Bay of Plenty and Northland to the engine room of the team,” says Sean.

The two game series will see former Australian test player Steve Kefu have his first foray in the Bay of Plenty uniform.

'Former Wallaby Steve Kefu will bring experience at the highest level to the Steamers this season having played six tests for Australia.

'Steve has been a professional rugby player for more than a decade and has played in the cauldron of test and Super 14 Rugby, along with time in France and England.”

The Bay of Plenty Steamers to participate in the 2011 ITM Cup will be named on June 30 following the two trial matches, with the Steamers team assembling on Friday, July 1.

Preparations for the ITM Cup start in earnest with the team travelling to Hawke's Bay on Monday, July 4 for a team building/preparation camp based in Hastings.

During the week away, the Steamers will play two games, starting with Hawke's Bay on Tuesday, July 5, before travelling to play Manawatu in Palmerston North on Friday, July 8.

Steamers XV's vs North Harbour & Taranaki

Forwards: John Paraenga (Te Puna) Dan Perrin, Tristan Moran, Josh Hohneck, Piginala Taalapitaga, Leon Power Jeff Thwaites (Tauranga Sports) Wade Perira (Whakarewarewa) Dan Goodwin (Te Puke) Matt Clutterbuck (Rangataua) Leighton Price, Luke Andrews, Scott Curry, Colin Bourke (Mount Maunganui).

Backs: Josh Hall, Lewis Hancock, Chris Noakes, Phil Burleigh, Ben Smith, Toby Arnold (Tauranga Sports) Dan Waenga, Lance MacDonald, Tutere Waenga (Mount Maunganui) Jason Hona (Rangataua) Nick McCashin (Te Puke Sports) Steve Kefu.

Bay of Plenty Steamers XV Games

24 (Friday) June 2011 v North Harbour @ Moore Park, Katikati – kickoff 2.30pm.

29 (Wednesday) 2011 v Taranaki @ Inglewood – kickoff 2pm.

Bay of Plenty Steamers Pre-Season Games

5 (Tuesday) July 2011 v Hawkes Bay @ McLean Park, Napier – kickoff 2pm.

8 (Friday) July 2011 v Manwatu @ IMG Stadium, Palmerston North kickoff 2pm.