“It was always a dream to play professionally, but I wouldn’t have thought I’d play one game, let alone 50.”
He credits Hamilton Boys’ High School’s professional‑style environment, alongside coaches Nigel Hotham and Greg Kirkham, for shaping his early development.
With more than 2500 students and fierce competition for first XV spots, Roe said this pushed him to grow quickly.
He debuted for the Chiefs in 2021 against the Highlanders, a match he remembers vividly, even if the result wasn’t one to savour.
“We got a hiding, actually, but last week we got a bit of redemption,” he said.
Tonight’s opponent, the Crusaders, add a bit of extra weight to Roe’s special milestone.
“You couldn’t ask for anything more, 50 games, Crusaders at home, first home game of the year. It’s going to be one to remember.”
Also, since tonight’s match is a repeat of the Chiefs’ first-ever game in 1996.
But Roe insists that despite this, he won’t change his approach.
“I’ve played 49 of them so far, no point changing too much.”
Life beyond the field
Roe’s positive reputation extends beyond his on‑field abilities.
He’s known as a player who always stops to chat, signs autographs, and treats people well.
When he isn’t playing rugby, Roe returns to his roots in Pauanui whenever he can.
The beach, the surf and time with family are his antidote to the pressures of professional rugby.
“When the season finishes, I go home for six weeks. Just chill out, surf, swim, hang with family. That’s how I reset.”
He also golfs, but this is off the agenda for now, partly due to niggling injuries.
“Golf’s probably not too good for the mentals either when you’re whacking it around,” he said.
Roe admits he once sported the classic surfer’s mullet, but genetics may be catching up with him.
“I’m losing my hair at the moment, so I don’t know if I can grow a mullet anymore,” he said.
“Dad’s been bald since he was 23, he reckons I’m not allowed a hair transplant. I’ve just got to shave it off.”
Special night ahead
Aside from a special first home game of the season, for Roe’s fans and his family, tonight will also be a celebration of a local boy who worked, competed and surfed his way to a milestone.
Roe expects around 25 family members to travel from the Coromandel, and he has been busy juggling ticket requests all week.
“That’s probably the only thing that’s changed, trying to organise who’s coming and who needs tickets.
“I’ve got 4500 mates today.”
Graeme “Mintie” Mead is a sports commentator, the host of the radio show Waikato All Sports Breakfast and a Newstalk ZB overnight host. He is also a Hamilton City Councillor.
