The Superhero of Small Things by Steve Roach

In 1985, Roach became the 562nd player to represent Australia when he made his national representative début in the first Test in Brisbane against New Zealand. When Jack Gibson was New South Wales coach in 19, he reportedly threatened the NSWRL with resignation from the position if Roach was selected in the side, though the Balmain front rower was selected in 1990 and went on to win their first series since their 3–0 win in 1986.

Thereafter barring injury (which ruled him out of the 1987 series) and his surprise omission in 1989 (which saw NSW suffer their second straight 3–0 defeat by Queensland), he was generally a regular Blues starter and he made 17 State of Origin appearances until Game 2 of the 1991 series. State representative honours first came his way in 1984 when he was called into the New South Wales Blues side for all three games of that year's State of Origin series. After an ankle injury in 1991 he was also troubled by a knee injury in 1992 which would prove to be his last club season. In 1991 his club form showed some decline but he again managed national selection and his experience was vital to the improvement of a side needing reorganisation after they suffered a shocking start to the club season. Roach and Sironen were replaced by coach Warren Ryan late in the 2nd half and when the game ultimately went into extra time they were unable to return and with their strikepower gone in the added period Canberra were able to overpower Balmain 19–14. In the 1989 Grand Final, after having led Canberra 12 points to 2 at half-time, the Tigers were run down. In the 1989 club season his combination with Paul Sironen, Benny Elias and Wayne Pearce was one of the strongest packs in club rugby league history and the side dominated opposing forwards. 1987 was almost completely wiped out for Roach due to a serious knee injury and though he returned to excellent form in 1988 he was cited for a tackle on Penrith's Chris Mortimer suspended for four weeks, missing the 1988 finals including the Grand Final loss to Canterbury. Between then and 1992 Roach played 185 first grade games for the Tigers. He quickly advanced to first grade and in 1983 was part of the Balmain side which made the semi-finals for the first time since 1977. Roach played his early rugby league for Wests Illawarra and was signed by the Balmain Tigers in 1982. Roach was born in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia. His football career was followed by a period as a commentator. He made thirty-nine representative appearances for the Australian national team in Tests, World Cup and New South Wales State of Origin matches between 19. His most famous catchphrase is “Big Boppa” Stephen David Roach (born 24 April 1962), nicknamed Blocker or Blocker Roach, is an Australian former professional rugby league who played as a prop forward in the 1980s and early 1990s.

The Superhero of Small Things by Steve Roach