Roger rules! OUR CAPTAIN FANTASTIC
The hunky player on tackling the top job
How did you feel when you were first asked to lead the Vodafone Warriors?
I was shocked and overwhelmed when Stephen [Kearney, coach] first asked me to lead the team. I said no at first.
Was it always a dream to play for the Warriors?
It was always a dream to play for my local team, to play for Auckland. I was playing rugby union then, so at the time, it was the Blues, but when I started playing league, it was to play for the Warriors. So yes, it was my dream.
Rugby union or league? It’s fair to say league is looking good to you now!
I’m loving my rugby league. It is a different game. It’s a lot faster and there’s more action in it.
When it comes to league rules, is there one that’s harder to keep to than the others?
I found in my first go as captain, the biggest problem for me was approaching the referee and trying not to touch him. I’m still trying to remember.
Can you remember playing your first game of footy as a kid?
It was rugby union at under-eights level for East Tamaki. I just remember wanting to get the ball and run, and if someone had the ball, to tackle them.
What did your family say when you were named captain?
They were really surprised and honoured. They told me it was the opportunity of a lifetime, to back myself and go for it.
What kind of leader do you aspire to be?
Someone who leads by example.
Do you have any gameday rituals?
I have a routine where I eat at certain times and eat specific things. I also have a game-day playlist I listen to on my headphones. My playlist is weird because I think a lot of people see me as someone who’s well-mannered, but I like to listen to rap music with a lot of F-bombs and bad words!
Who are your number-one supporters?
My grandma and my cousin. They live in Mangere and just this year I bought them a membership so they’ve got their own seats. They’re buzzing!
When you’re not on the field, what do you like to get up to?
I definitely like to see my family. After moving back to Auckland [he played for the Sydney Roosters], I have a lot of family out south who I like to spend time with, especially because I grew up with them. Being away for five years, I’ve had a lot of catching up to do!
Do you have any tips for kids who might be starting out in rugby league?
Enjoy playing while you can and always keep learning. A lot of kids today get to 18 and think they’re ready for the professional level. I feel if you just keep playing and keep going where you are, one day it will come.
Who are your mates at the Vodafone Warriors?
Everyone! There’s a great crew here. Issac Luke and I made the move over together so it was good hanging out with him and getting to know his family. The same with Blake Ayshford and his family, but everyone here is cool!
Who’s the clown of the team?
That would be Issac Luke. He’s a pest most of the time!
Does any one player get picked on a little more than the others?
Jazz Tevaga because he’s always trying to have a go at the older boys, trying to throw stones at them or mock them, but everyone just goes at him because he cracks easy.
Which Warrior has the most style?
You have to go for Shaun Johnson. He gets a fade [haircut] every week and he has always got the new gears on, especially when he puts up photos of the three watches he’s got!
Who has the best taste in music?
Definitely not Hoffy [Ryan Hoffman]. It would probably be Ruben Wiki. He’s our DJ for gym time and he always finds the good mixes on Sound-Cloud, so I’ll say Ruben.
Which player has the most surprising talent?
I’m going to go for Charlie Gubb because, under pressure, he’s a funny person – he’s funny around the group. I’d say his hidden talent is being a comedian.