Rookie of the year Hugh Roach ready for Waratahs approach

ROOKIE of the year Hugh Roach has welcomed any future advances from the Waratahs ahead of the biggest game in his career.

Hugh Roach

ROOKIE of the year Hugh Roach has welcomed any future advances from the Waratahs ahead of the biggest game in his career.

It is understood NSW will make a play for the young hooker/flanker after losing John Ulugia and Damien Fitzpatrick post-season.

With regular starter Tatafu Polota-Nau needing a reliable back-up due to his international commitments and injury history, Roach has emerged as a bolter for the 2014 squad.

And the Eastwood player's case was made stronger after on Friday claiming the Shute Shield's rookie of the year award, an honour previously won by the likes of Bernard Foley, Jed Holloway and Greg Petersen, who all picked up Waratah contracts afterward.

"If they give me an opportunity I will take it with everything I have," Roach said.

"Rugby is something I want to do, if the Tahs want me I'll definitely be there.

"I've always wanted to be a Waratah, since I was young."

Roach is a versatile young talent, covering both hooker and flanker with aplomb in Shute Shield this year, although he ultimately sees his future in the front row.

"First of all I am a hooker, but I play very much like a flanker and that's why Johnny (Eastwood coach John Manenti) put his trust in me to play No.7," said Roach, who starts at openside in today's Shute Shield grand final.

"I love getting in there, putting my head down and scavenging for the ball, trying to get turnovers and making big tackles.

"I see myself playing hooker in the long run, I'll put a bit more weight on, a bit more bulk."