http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21338114-23214,00.html
Blocker junior quits union
DANIEL Roach - the son of league legend Steve "Blocker" Roach - has turned his back on rugby union, walking out on New South Wales to link with the Sharks.
The talented young prop will now follow in his famous father's steps, carving out a career in rugby league.
The former Australian Schoolboys union star knocked back an offer from his father's Wests Tigers for a chance to play under Australia coach Ricky Stuart at the Sharks.
Roach is expected to begin training with the Sharks on Friday, on a one-year deal, after officially requesting a release from the NSW Rugby Union last week.
The teenager's switch is sure to leave the Waratahs red-faced, with the emerging forward considered by many astute judges to be a future Australia prop.
Roach is understood to have grown disillusioned with rugby after rarely playing in his year with the Waratahs.
"I am excited about the opportunity," Roach said of his switch.
"I haven't been given any guarantees but I have the opportunity to prove myself with the Sharks and rugby league.
"I will give it my best.
"It is obviously great to get the chance to play under the Australian coach and be included in the fulltime squad. I am looking forward to it."
Proud father Steve said he was excited about his son leaving union to pursue a career in rugby league.
"I have always wanted him to play rugby league but I have left that decision to him," Roach said.
"Of course I am glad that he will now be playing rugby league. That's the way I always wanted him to go.
"I didn't want to say anything when he was playing union because I just wanted to support him, but I am rapt now he is in league.
"He is a young bloke and he was the one that wanted to play league. He wants to run with the ball and tackle people. I couldn't be any happier."
After playing 181 games for the Tigers, Roach said there were no hard feelings with Daniel opting to join the Sharks.
"Ricky is an old mate, and it is a great opportunity for (Daniel)," Roach, who represented Australia on 18 occasions, said.
"The Sharks are a good club and I can't wait to see how he goes. He is a committed kid and he wants to do it on his own."
The Roach camp was reticent to talk about why Daniel quit the Waratahs but the 114kg wrecking ball was not playing regularly with the NSW Academy A side, which plays only 10 games a year.
Stuart said Daniel reminded him of a young Blocker.
"He is a big young kid and he has the build of his father," Stuart said.
"He is tall and has the build of a rugby league player.
"We were more than happy to offer him the chance to play rugby league.
"He has a lot of talent and will start off in Jersey Flegg, and hopefully develop from there.
"He has an opportunity here, and it is up to him to make the most of it."
Roach is expected to play with the Sharks' under-20 side next week.
roach snr was a great forward in his day but his style would not suit the modern game.
