Nathaniel Roache


Nathaniel Roache is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer who plays as a for the New Zealand Warriors in the NRL.

Background

Roache was born in Auckland, New Zealand and is of Samoan and Irish descent. He attended Edendale Primary School in Sandringham then Balmoral Intermediate before studying at Mount Albert Grammar School.
His junior club was Richmond Rovers.

Playing career

Early career

While at Mount Albert he competed in the College Rugby League First XIII competition and the 2013 National Secondary Schools tournament, where he was named in the tournament's merit team. He played for the New Zealand Residents under-18 side in 2013 and 2014.
Signed by the New Zealand Warriors, in 2014 Roache made his Holden Cup debut for the Junior Warriors at five eighth. On 5 October 2014, Roache started at centre for the Junior Warriors' in their 2014 Holden Cup Grand final against the junior Brisbane Broncos in the 34-32 victory. Early in the game he was shifted to hooker in response to an injury and received praise for his performance, which included setting up a try for Tuimoala Lolohea. Roache played in the 2015 and 2016 NRL Auckland Nines for the Warriors. In 2015 Roache was converted to play at hooker and signed to a two-year contract extension with the club.

2016

In Round 1 of the 2016 NRL season, Roache made his debut for the New Zealand Warriors against the Wests Tigers, playing off the interchange bench in the Warriors 26-34 loss at Campbelltown Stadium.