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Rotorua's representative softball campaign gained momentum this week following the naming of the city's men's and women's senior teams.

Rotorua men's softball coach Jimmy Natana has announced an initial squad ahead of this weekend's Sulphur City hosted tri-series with Waikato, Western Bay of Plenty and invited team Counties-Manukau.

He is confident the side can emulate last year's successful performance with double wins against Waikato and Western Bay of Plenty and begin their title defense build-up for the National Provincial Men's Cup in Rotorua next month.

Natana has no misgivings about the strength of his team having selected a balanced batting and pitching line up.

"We've got a lot of experience in this team and this weekend will be a good opportunity to look for batters," Natana said.

"While I've picked the best batters, there are a few things we need to refine and one or two positions that need to be finalised."

Natana's initial lineup includes strong batters Shane Hunuhunu, Vaughan Grey (Snr), Phil Ngawaka and Jason Gerbes.

Gerbes is also expected to be awarded with catching duties, while experienced pitchers Phil Ngawaka, Vaughan Grey and Sam Clark are tipped to take the mound on Sunday.

A new addition to the team is Waiohau's American import Ryan Ernst, whom Natana believes will boost the team with his Northern Hemisphere knowledge and coaching skills.

The utility player will be joined by Marist St Michael's Magic's Lee Clark and Eric Short in their opening game against Waikato on Diamond One on Sunday.

"My goal is to carry on from where we left off last year and play to win.

"It's going to be challenging on Sunday with three back-to-back games, but it will also be a test of our team's strength and character," Natana said.

He will name a final squad of 17 for the National Provincial Cup next week.

Meanwhile the women's representative team, coached by Lil Natana, showcases a mixture of the youth and experience with only five of last year's team named.

Returning players Puawai Hohepa, catcher Silini Gardiner, Freda Hohepa, Atiria Raupita and Junette Putaranui will spearhead the team who won last year's tri-series and finished seventh overall at the National Provincial Cup.

Newcomers include captain Tania Natana and a trio of emerging stars from the Waiohau Development team including 16-year-old Valerie Natana, 17-year-old Shelley Pene and golfer turned softballer Teiria Te Riini.

Sunday's tournament will be a good outing for the team in their build up to January's National Provincial Cup in Wellington.

"We've got the will to play and win," Lil Natana said. "There's hunger in our girls that I have not seen in some time.

Sunday's triangular tournament at the Rotorua International Stadium begins at 9.30am with games being played on all six diamonds. Other teams to be represented include the Rotorua men's and women's development sides and under-15 boys' teams.

Rotorua Softball Association's senior club competition will be played as normal on Saturday.

For a full list of team members see today's Daily Post