Ex-Western Suburbs Devils player and True Blue Steve 'Blocker' Roach has urged his former club to do the jersey proud when they play in their do-or-die clash against North Sydney Bears on Saturday.
Both clubs boast a proud history with the Bears being one of nine foundation clubs while the Devils were established in 1949 and have been represented by Australian Kangaroos stars such as Roach, Bob Fulton, and Garry Jack.
The Round 9 Presidents Cup fixture has plenty of meaning for both sides with a potential finals berth on the line for Western Suburbs while the Bears are vying for a possible second-place finish.
Respecting the players who have donned the jersey is important and it might provide just that little bit of extra motivation to get the job done.
Steve Roach
Roach spoke of the privilege to play for a club with a rich history and highlighted the importance of playing with pride whenever the current crop of players put on the jersey.
"I'd encourage the players to be proud of the club they play for and it's important they look back on the culture and look to make their own mark this weekend," Roach told NSWRL.com.au.
"Respecting the players who have donned the jersey is important and it might provide just that little bit of extra motivation to get the job done.
"The Bears also have a proud history and I used to love playing against them because we had that little rivalry and it was always a special occasion."
HIGHLIGHTS | Presidents Cup Rd 8
The Devils have recorded three wins so far in their 2020 campaign and they will be desperately trying to avenge their 44-16 loss to Hills District Bulls in Round 8.
Their finals fate relies heavily on the results of Thirroul Butchers v Wentworthville, and Hills District Bulls v Dubbo CYMS.
A win to either Bulls or Butchers will mean Western Suburbs remain out of the top-four, while a North Sydney victory could see them surpass the Glebe Burwood Wolves to second place on the competition ladder – pending the result of their match against Minor Premiers, Maitland Pickers.
The Pickers will look to finish the regular season with an undefeated record when they host the Wolves on Saturday, and boast the best attacking and defensive record in the competition. They average 37 points per game while conceding just over 10 (on average) in each of their seven fixtures.