Steve "Blocker" Roach
Steve Roach, better known as "Blocker" was another Tiger product of Wollongong. Blocker came to Balmain in 1982 and represented the Tigers for a decade in the front row, which included 182 first grade games.

During his career, Blocker also represented his state and country. Up front Blocker led the way for NSW on 17 occasions, and Australia on 19 occasions during 1985-1991. It may have taken Blocker ten years to score 11 tries for the Tigers, but on debut for Australia, the big fella crashed over for the first of 3 tries at international level.

Blocker stormed onto the rep scene in 1984 for NSW and a year later he was selected to play for Australia. Unfortunately a knee injury in 1987 sidelined Blocker, but in 1988 he returned to play for his Tigers and also Australia in the Bicentennial Test against the Rest of the World.

1988 was a mixed year for Blocker. He was a part of a Tigers side that showed extreme guts and determination in making the Grand Final. However Blocker was ruled out because of suspension. The Tigers tried to get around the suspension by shipping Blocker off to England where he would sit out a match for Warrington before returning to Australia. The league refused to allow it and Blocker was forced to watch from the sideline as his team-mates were beaten by the Bulldogs.

One year later, Blocker and his Tigers were back at the Grand Final and this time there was nothing that could stop him from taking the field. The decision to replace him late in the match drew criticism and he was again forced to watch from the sideline as his team-mates were over-run by the Canberra Raiders in the greatest Grand Final of all time.

During his career, Blocker was an enforcer who revelled in the toughness of rugby league. He was aggressive, strong and skilful and was a regular figure in Australian sides during his career and is still regarded as the dominant prop of the mid to late 1980's.

Controversy also surrounded Blocker on several occasions. Blocker played with his heart on his sleeve and wasn’t shy of a blue or the odd spray for the referee. The infamous patting of the head of a referee as he was sent off is still something people associate with his career. To simply harp on this one event however is to overlook a fine career.

Blocker was big and strong, and could offload and pass with the skills of a much smaller man. His aggression and ability to inspire team-mates and intimidate opponents made him a Tiger hero who showed larger kids that they could still make the grade. Blocker is a passionate Tiger who played his whole career at the club he loves. His passion also led Wayne Bennett to once comment that he was almost as passionate as a Queenslander.

Blocker is now involved in the media but still remains loyal to his beloved Tigers whom he maintains a strong link with.

This profile was compiled by Anthony Sinclair.