The Bay of Plenty Steamers need two other NPC teams to win their games tomorrow, and collect five points when they take on North Harbour at home on Sunday, to secure a place in the top eight.

This means Steamers fans will be avidly watching the telly tomorrow, because Waikato must beat Tasman and Canterbury must beat Manawatū to keep BOP’s playoff hopes alive, and to get a shot at top 8 in their last Tauranga home game come Sunday.

The Steamers face North Harbour at Tauranga Domain at 3.35pm – the final team to play in the regular season – and need to collect five points.

The Steamers had an important 32-17 home victory over Hawke’s Bay at Tauranga Domain on September 19, but were unable to build on that result, losing 45-26 to Tasman at Trafalgar Park five days later.

Bay of Plenty head coach Richard Watt has previously emphasised the importance of reducing errors and penalties as the Steamers push for a playoff spot.

Jubilant Bay of Plenty Steamers after scoring a try against Hawke’s Bay in the Battle of the Bays at Tauranga Domain on September 19. Photo / Bay of Plenty Rugby Union

The team showed improved discipline and ball control against Hawke’s Bay but struggled to maintain that momentum against Tasman, he said.

Come Sunday, the Steamers may have one final opportunity to make their mark.

Watt said North Harbour had been “on fire” and had shown throughout the season that they were prepared to play brave, hard rugby.

Despite the playoff equation dependent on results elsewhere, Watt said the Steamers could only concentrate on their own preparation.

“We can only train and prepare for the game.

“We’re still alive, but we need to play well and score four tries, so we’ve got to play.”

However, whatever happened Saturday, the Steamers’ Sunday match carried significance beyond the playoff race.

Watt said the game would be the final Tauranga Domain appearance for several players who’d made a significant contribution to Bay of Plenty rugby

The Bay of Plenty Steamers after winning Battle of the Bays against Hawke’s Bay at Tauranga Domain in September. Photo /Bay of Plenty Rugby Union

Steamers captain Kurt Eklund and Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi are in their last season for the province, while Reon Paul, Cole Forbes and Lucas Cashmore will head to Japan.

Eklund, Forbes and Tahuriorangi have all passed the 50-game mark for Bay of Plenty, Watt said.

“It’s their last Bay of Plenty Steamers game at the Tauranga Domain.

“That’s significant. They have been great servants of the jersey and the province.”

The Steamers’ 2026 campaign also marked 50 years since BOP won the NPC title in 1976, adding another layer of significance to the season.

BOP Steamers fans can watch Canterbury versus Manawatu live on TV at 1.05pm on October 3, and Waikato versus Tasman at 6.10pm that night on TVNZ channels.

On Sunday, October 4, Bay of Plenty play North Harbour at Tauranga Domain. Kick-off is 3.35pm. Watch live on TVNZ or purchase game tickets online from Flicket.