Blocker’s World Cup Bolter

Steve “blocker” Roach, a World Cup veteran of 20 years, has named a “bolter” for Australia’s World Cup squad.

“It’s early days but the more I see of the Cronulla Sharks Luke Douglas the more I like what I see,” said Roach, who played in the front row in Australia’s winning World Cup side of 1988.

Roach, a regular commentator on radio 2GB’s “Continuous Call” team, rates the 22-year-old Sharks front rower as future Test match material.

“The kid has got it all,” said Roach.

“His durable, dynamic in defence and can off-load without the use of a coaching manual.

“My experience as a front rower at the highest level leaves no doubt in mind Luke Douglas will wear green and gold this year.”

Roach has provided a bombshell in naming a potential 17-man Australian World Cup squad.

He has the veterans, Penrith Panthers captain Petero Civoniceva and the Warriors captain Steve Price in his front row.

“When it comes to World Cup competition  you need experience, guile and physical toughness to play up front and both these boys have got it in spades,’ said Roach.

“The only way they know to go is forward and it takes a ton of traffic to nail them.

“But I would have young Douglas their back-up, remembering the World Cup campaign is pretty demanding.”

Roach said Storm captain Cameron Smith picked himself as the meat in the front row sandwich.

This means Roach would have three club captains in the engine room and packing down behind them he would have the Storm’s Ryan Hoffman, the Cowboys Luke O’Donnell  and another NRL captain in the Sharks Paul Gallen, at lock.

Roach said the backline he was nominating had no peer and would rate with any in the past.

“When I first thought about the backline I forgot about Mark Gasnier,” said Roach, who would still, one day, like to be involved in the game as a head coach.

“But how do you do that - he is a must in the centres as is Justin Hodges from the Broncos.

“On the wing I’ve got Greg Inglis and given a roving role, and Israel Folau.

Johnathan Thurston, another NRL captain, is a logical choice at No.7 and nobody will dispute Darren Lockyer’s monopoly on the No. 6

“And yes, another NRL captain!

Manly’s sex symbol Brett Stewart is my fullback. Forget his looks, well girls excepted, he is a dynamic fullback in every sense of the word.

“He is tall, rangy, fast, and elusive and brother, can he tackle.

“I really get a big kick out of seeing him play. Manly have a genuine meal ticket in this kid.”

By Geoff Prenter

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