Central and Eastern Bay of Plenty rugby takes centre stage this Easter with sides looking to push on from the opening round.

With their Western Bay neighbours taking a break over Easter, in both the Premier and Development grades, all eyes turn to the other sub-regions.

Photo: Whakatane Marist

In the Central Bay, Kahukura and Rotoiti clash tomorrow night at Kuirau Park with the latter the favourites given their premier grade status.

But while Kahukura is a Division One both sides are welcoming the chance to play a local round before entering into the Bayfair Baywide Competition come May 2.

Kahukura coach Ron Peterson says the side is looking forward to having a good hit out and testing themselves against Rotoiti this weekend.

'It is great playing these premier sides, Whakarewarewa last week and Rotoiti this week, it gives us a good chance to see where we are at for the season and is a great opportunity for boys to gain experience from them.”

In the Eastern Bay, Whakatane Marist and Opotiki square off with the former looking to secure back-to-back victories early on in the season after beating Paroa in the opening round.

Whakatane Marist coach Matt Te Pou says it won't be easy however, labelling Opotiki as the bench mark for the season, especially in the local round.

'We will have to battle hard, they [Opotiki] have all the experience and they can go for eighty minutes. We are certainly looking forward to it”.

Opotiki coach Mike Smith says it's a bit of the 'unknown” heading into the clash.

'They [Whakatane Marist] ripped up a massive win against Paroa. We are a little underdone, a bit rusty last week and not in our prime just yet.

'It is an early game for us, being played on Friday. We are a little apprehensive about it, but we are certainly looking forward to it.”

This week's draw:

Central Bay of Plenty:

Marist St Michael's v Whakarewarewa at Marist St Michael's Kick off at 6pm Thursday April 2

Kahukura v Rotoiti at Kuirau Park Kick off at 12pm April 3 Good Friday

Ngongotaha v Waikite at Domain Kick off at 2.30pm April 3 Good Friday

Eastern Bay of Plenty:

Whakatane Marist v Opotiki at Rugby Park

Senior Team kick off at 1.30pm

Premier Development/Reserve will kick off at 12pm

Te Teko v Paroa at Dunderdale Park

Poroporo v Ruatoki at Poroporo Park

Senior Team kick off at 2.30pm

Premier Development/Reserve will kick off at 1pm