Speedy winger and skilful back rower for Dubbo Macquarie Damian Rootes showed how he works as hard off the paddock as he does playing for the Raiders when the Daily Liberal met up with him at his work site this week.
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Damian has played six first grade games with Macquarie this year and has been named in the side again for their clash against Forbes today.
The fourth year apprentice electrician has been in good form in the past couple of matches and hopes to continue playing first grade in the lead up to the semis.
Rootes believes his side has the ability to take out the 2008 premiership this year, but says they need to build on enthusiasm in their next few matches.
The Daily Liberal caught up with the 20-year-old to find out what goes on in the life of Damian Rootes.
AY: What is you preferred position?
DR:Back row would have to be my preferred position and that’s where I play in reserve grade, but for first grade I play on the wing.
AY: What is the highlight of your season so far?
DR: It would have to be our win over Cobar. Cobar was on the top of the ladder and the boys just kept them out and got the match.
I couldn’t play that day because I was injured but I watched from the grandstand. Personally, my first try in first grade would be a highlight.
Peter Boon set me up and put me over in the corner.
AY: Where do you think you fit in Jim Kelly’s plans to win the first grade premiership this year?
DR: I would like to think I was in his plans there somewhere, but there are a lot of good players who could play first grade and for now I am just focusing on playing well and hopefully he will keep me in the side.
AY: What will it take for Macquarie to win the Premiership this year?
DR: It will take a lot of commitment from the boys.
AY: What is it like playing with David Peachey?
DR: It’s great, he gives good guidance and is really a class above the rest. He has helped me out a lot by telling me where I should be standing.
It’s funny to think that last year he was playing with the Bunnies and now he is playing along side me with the Raiders.
AY: Has rugby league always been your preferred sport?
DR: When I was little right up to the age of 15 I played soccer. Then my mates went to play footy for South Dubbo Raiders so I went there too.
I played a bit of representative soccer with Dubbo, but I was attracted to the physical nature of footy.
AY: So who is Damian Rootes?
DR: Well I am 20 years old and I have a girlfriend called Monique Gordon who I have been with for two years.
I was born in Sydney and lived in Parkes for eight years before I moved out here.
I love having beers at the South Dubbo Tavern on a Friday and after footy on Sunday.
I like getting around with my mates and spending time with Monique.
AY: What do you do for work?
DR: I am a fourth year apprentice electrician.
I started my apprenticeship with ADG then they merged with BASS but now I am with JLE.
AY: Family?
DR: I have an older sister Aimee and a younger brother and sister Aaron and Sarah, mum Megan and dad Peter.
AY: Where did you do your schooling?
DR: From Kindergarten to Year 4 I went to Parkes East Primary School.
From Year 4 to 6 I went to Buninyong Public and then I went to Delroy and dropped out in Year 10 to start my apprenticeship.
AY: What is your biggest achievement in life so far?
DR: It would have to be finishing tech this year.
AY: What do you enjoy doing outside of football?
DR: Fishing or camping.
AY: Who has been the biggest influence in your life and sporting career?
DR: I used to look up to Andrew Johns, I admire his skill and ability to put his team-mates over the line. Other than that I am pretty much a self-motivated person.
AY: Where do you see your life in five years time?
DR: Maybe in a couple of years my girlfriend and I will move away and travel.
