Sideline Sid Sports correspondant & historian www.sunlive.co.nz

There are few things in life that excite Sidline Sid more than the start of the Bay of Plenty Steamers NPC campaign each year.

To be a true blue (and gold) Steamers fan is to experience a full range of emotions each season.

The extreme highs of victory are usually countered by the corresponding lows when ‘Our Team' suffers defeat.

‘Here we go again' – could be the catchcry when a Steamers XV kicks off a two game preparatory series in Katikati on Friday, June 24.

A match-up with North Harbour in the extremities of the Western Bay will be followed the next Wednesday, June 29, with the Bay XV playing a Taranaki selection in the Naki.

While there are still a number of Steamers to return from Super Rugby, and a couple of newly contracted players to arrive in paradise, the Steamers XV games are a last throw of the dice for a number of players on the fringe of regular Steamers selection.

My spies tell me that the folk of Katikati are ready to really get behind the Bay team and are hoping of at least 1000 spectators on the day.

In the centennial year of Bay of Plenty rugby, it is appropriate that a Bay game is being brought to Katikati.

Katikati has a unique distinction of having been a foundation club of the Tauranga Rugby Union, and later the Thames Valley Rugby Union.

Rugby in Katikati has been around forever with the club one of the earliest established in New Zealand.

Last season the Katikati Rugby Club celebrated its 130th year since establishment.

In a return to provincial grassroots for the representative fixture, a convoy of trucks will line one side of the main ground at Moore Park, providing temporary grandstands.

While the changing sheds at Moore Park may lack the amenities that modern grounds provide – the player's changing sheds will reek history from past decades.

The volunteers from the Katikati Rugby Club have answered the call to duty and will be out in force undertaking roles from gatekeeping and parking to looking after the arrivals of the star players and providing good old fashioned Katikati hospitality.

One Steamers contracted player, who will be on show on the day, will be well worth the modest $5 entry fee.

Former Australian and Queensland Reds rugby player Steve Kefu has signed to play for the Bay of Plenty Steamers in their 2011 ITM Cup campaign and has been named in the squad for the Katikati game.

Six tests as a centre for Australia, along with eight seasons playing for the Queensland Reds, preceded Steve's continuation of his rugby journey.

He joined French team Castres Olympique for three seasons before playing for the Wasps in England in 2009 and 2010.

Amongst the galaxy of stars on show from both sides, few will attract more interest than inspirational Steamers leader Colin Bourke.

Since coming to the Bay from the other (Hawke's) Bay, the Steamers captain has built an almost legendary following.

Also on display will be two players that should become household names during the Steamers ITM Cup campaign.

Tall timber Leon Power is certain to make his presence felt in the lineouts, while Matt Clutterbuck is a dynamic flanker of serious proportions.

Seeya at the (Steamers) Game