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.
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