Five Minutes with…Newbridge’s Nathan Rocks

Name: Nathan Rocks

Age: 27

Occupation: Primary Teacher and Strength Coach

Teams played for: Newbridge, St Marys, Derry once upon a time

Game you most enjoyed playing in?

League Final against Steelstown. To win it at home, two goals down in five mins, and come back. It was unreal!

Game you least enjoyed playing in?

Any relegation battle, lol.

What’s the worst pitch you’ve ever played on?

The old Loup pitch in the rain.

Toughest training session you’ve ever been involved in?

There’s been a few nasty ones, sand dunes spring to mind or any gym session with the assault bike.

What’s your preferred brand of gear?

Adidas boots, Nike trainers!

Most inspirational individual you’ve ever met?

There’s been a few, each for very different reasons, so I won’t be cheesy and say.

Where do you like to go to celebrate?

The locals, Thatch or the Elk.. Nothing better than a win then down to the bar with everyone!

What do you like to do with you are not training/playing?

Coach, train myself, and spend time with loved ones when I get the chance.

Which character in any TV show/film are you most like?

Troy Bolton High School Muscial. I’m known for my singing abilities lol

Which team mates (from any club/county) are the first you’d invite on a night out?

Newbridge men obviously, the Creggan men, and the Moortown boys seem like they can drink and Sally from Foreglen lol

Which team mate is the worst dancer?

Peter McGrogan by a mile, no rhythm whatsoever!

Which team mate is the loudest in the changing room?

Probably myself to be honest, bit of a slabber, possibly Conor Doc or the Gooch! Pre game hype, Danny Macu or the Mcgrogans.

What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen happen in training/during a match?

Pete got split by a water bottle during a championship game threw by me against Foreglen and Danny Mulholland tried to convince the ref he got hit by a Foreglen man lol

What’s the worst excuse you’ve heard to get out of training and who did it come from?

Aidy McGlone couldn’t train or run because he hurt his thumb – soft.

Biggest ego?

Conor Doherty. GOAT.

Worst/best person to sit next to on the team bus?

Worst person – Chubs. Best person – anyone who has a deck of cards.

Worst/best person to share a room with on away days?

Worst: Ciaran Brooks or Peter, two very different reasons.

Who has the best diet, and who has the worst?

Best diet would be Brooksy after years of being fat. Porst Pimley or Paudi McGrogan. Stout isn’t a meal.

Toughest opponent you have played against?

Jesus there’s a few roastings I’ve got, Rony ONeill from MacRory days always gave me nightmares. Anyone with speed recently lol.

Best or worst quote you have heard from a team mate/opponent/

manager?

Best – Conor Gough to me at half time after I shouted ‘we can do this’ or something against Colman’s. He said “what are you talking about kid? This ain’t no Disney show, no fairytale endings for you”. Left me speechless

Best manager you have played for?

Everyone has taught me something different, respect every manager you have.

What frustrates you most about the GAA?

The club v county debates, just let everyone play away. Football’s there to be enjoyed by everyone.

What’s the best thing about being part of the GAA?

The people you meet, the memories made and the sense of community in tough times – unrivalled.