Port Mac Goss: Steve ‘Blocker’ Roach

FROM Wollongong to the Balmain Tigers, NRL legend Steve “Blocker” Roach played in the front row in 186 games, representing NSW 17 times and Australia 19 times.

Steve had a reputation as a hard man, and he was never far from controversy, once famously patting the referee on the head after being sent off the field.

During his football career he was part of an iconic Tina Turner advertising campaign and appeared regularly in commercials endorsing Lowes menswear.

When he retired, his career exploded as a regular on the Footy Show, then as a co-commentator on the radio with Ray Hadley and now commentating with Fox League.

We have been mates since 1982; I always admired Blocker’s ability on the football field and he is someone I am proud to call a very close friend.

G’day Steve, how did you get the nickname Blocker?

There are two versions. First, I was an apprentice plumber and my main job was to block the sewerage water that needed repairs. The other version was that when I first came to the Tigers, a team mate by the name of Steve Lavers nicknamed me Blockhead which thankfully got shortened to Blocker. I prefer Steve’s version.

Think back to the game against Manly when you were sent off and patted the referee on the head. Did that cause a lot of drama for you?

Mate, when I did it, I did it to show Eddie Ward, the referee, that there was no malice towards him, because he just took the judge’s word that I had to be sent off. When I got off the field, I gave the touch judge a major spray which did not help me at the judiciary. I remember driving home after the game with my wife Cathy and she hardly spoke a word to me. I knew then that I was in more trouble than I expected.

Blocker, during your football career you never took a backward step. Were you ever scared on the football field?

Never scared, but my idol growing up was Craig Young. I was lucky to play my first test match with him as my front row partner. I thought that we would take on the Kiwis and smash them. After the first tackle, Craig got laid out and laid flat on his back not moving. I must admit, the reality hit that this and every other game is not to be taken for granted and that it is best to get in first.

The Balmain Tigers played in back-to-back grand finals in 1988 and 1989, one of which you missed due to suspension. The grand final that you did play in, you were subbed by coach Warren Ryan alongside Paul Sironen halfway through the second half. You could not hide your disappointment at being replaced and the Tigers went on to lose. What were your feelings that day?

I was filthy. No first grader footballer likes to be replaced. Our team was ahead when Siro and I went off and our coach thought that he would replace us with two very good defensive players which, in theory, is a good idea. But we ended up being beaten and I can honestly say I have never watched the replay of that game.

Life after footy has been good for you hasn’t it mate?

I am blessed. The Footy Show gave me a huge media profile, even though in the early days a lot of the comedy sketches involved me dressed as a woman. My tough guy image was tarnished and people would yell at me in the street “Hey Block, where is your frock?”. When I went to radio, Ray Hadley took me under his wing and we would sit at his home doing dummy calls with him showing me the craft of becoming a radio commentator. Now, at Foxtel, I feel so privileged to be watching the modern game and seeing these footballers do some unbelievable athletic tries and lead-up work. Their skill sets are unbelievable. The only thing I struggle with sometimes, now that the NRL is played by so many different nationalities, is getting their names and pronunciations right.

Blocker, do you have any plans for retirement?

I am loving my role at Fox Sports and the hours I work give me plenty of time to enjoy life to its fullest. And I can now come up to Port Macquarie and catch up with you more often.

By Dave ‘Scoop’ LAZARUS