There is just one option in Whangarei on Thursday evening for the Bay of Plenty Steamers to keep their semi-final aspirations alive.

The Steamers reserves could be the difference for the team as it heads to Whangarei for its final round robin game of the ITM Cup on Thursday night.

While the Steamers currently sit in fifth equal place on the ITM Cup points table, going into the last week of the round robin competition, a bonus point victory against Northland would put the pressure on the other top four contenders.

While there are a multitude of scenarios that may unfold before the ITM Cup semi-finalists are confirmed, after the last match on Sunday afternoon – the Steamers are entirely focused on taking five points from Northland at Toll Stadium in Whangarei.

One of the real strengths of the 2010 Bay of Plenty Steamers has been the side's depth on the bench.

One player who can provide plenty of options in the back line is Ben Smith. The utility player is equally at home on the wing or at fullback. This week he has been bracketed with both Jason Hona and Lelia Masaga in the run-on XV.

Tristan Moran and Dan Perrin, who joined the Steamers this season, give the front row plenty of options. One of the true workhorses in the side is Aiden Kuka, who always quickly slots into the Steamers engine room, when runs on as a replacement lock.

There are few better flankers in the ITM Cup competition than Solomon King. With an abundance of riches in the Steamers loose forward ranks, the former New Zealand Sevens player, bring a real intensity each time he comes on during a match.

The introduction of quality backs, that include halfback Chad Tuoro and utility players Cory Aporo and Grant McQuoid, always give the Steamers further options in close encounters.

Bay of Plenty Steamers v Northland, Toll Stadium Whangarei, Thursday, October 21 – kickoff 7.35pm.

1 Joe Savage 2 John Pareanga 3 Josh Hohneck 4 John Moore 5 Luke Andrews 6 Luke Braid 7 Tanerau Latimer 8 Colin Bourke (captain) 9 Taniela Moa, 10 Mike Delany 11 Jason Hona/Ben Smith 12 Phil Burleigh 13 Brett Mather 14 Lelia Masaga/Ben Smith 15 Toby Arnold.

Reserves: Dan Perrin, Tristan Moran, Aiden Kuka/Culum Retallick, Solomon King, Chad Tuoro, Grant McQuoid, Ben Smith/Cory Aporo.

Head Coach: Sean Horan
Assistant Coach: Steve Miln
Manager: Ross Everiss
Physio: Paul Cameron
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Murray Pedersen
Asst Strength & Condition Coach: Abby Galenzoski
Analysis and Defence Coach: Paul Feeney