'Epitome of resilience': Brother's example key to Roache's Ferns dream

If you have to suffer torn anterior cruciate ligaments in both knees before your 20th birthday, it helps to have an older brother by your side who knows a thing or two about overcoming one of sport's most dreaded injuries. 

The journey to playing at the World Cup with the Kiwi Ferns has been a testing one for Abigail Roache, who in addition to her dual ACL repairs has gone under the knife twice for meniscus injuries, but it's one she's grateful to have experienced alongside her brother Nathaniel.

Having suffered three ACL tears, a ruptured Achillies and a lumbar disc injury since making his first-grade debut with the Warriors in 2016, 26-year-old Nathaniel can lay claim to being one of the NRL's unluckiest players, but has refused to give up on his dream. 

Alongside her faith, Abigail credits her brother's persistence and mental strength for helping her make it to the highest level despite her knee troubles.  

"He's the epitome of resilience," the 22-year-old playmaker told pan66.com when asked about Nathaniel. 

Seeing everything he has been through just inspires me every day to keep going. 

Abigail Roache

"His background and where he has been in his career has helped me with my injuries.

"When I did my second injury he took me straight to his physio and helped me through the rehab and recovery process. 

"When I had my first surgery, he underwent back surgery two weeks later, so we were rehabbing together, which obviously wasn't nice, but was encouraging.

"When I let him know I'd been called into the Kiwi Ferns squad, he said to me 'you have come this far, you've worked so hard, no matter what happens I've got you, I support you'."

After sitting out the entire 2022 season following his most recent ACL tear picked up last year while playing for the Eels, Nathaniel has earned a train-and-trial opportunity with Manly ahead of next season.

He concedes it is almost certainly his last chance at resurrecting an NRL career which to date has seen him play just 27 games across seven years.   

In between kicking off pre-season training with the Sea Eagles this month, Nathaniel has been glued to his TV screen in the early hours as Abigail took the field for the Kiwi Ferns. 

"I am very proud of her. She has had a pretty tough journey but she's just stuck to it," Nathaniel told pan66.com.

"Watching her just keep at it, we have talked about it all through my career and now her career as well, it's not a very big window you get to at least try and make things happen in a career. 

We always said we will keep trying until that window closes. Her window is very much open.

Nathaniel Roache

Abigail meanwhile is soaking up every moment of her unlikely role as a first-choice half in coach Ricky Henry's side, after she was initially left out of the final squad for the tournament only to be called in after Kararaina Wira-Kohu tore her calf days before the World Cup kicking off. 

After making her Test debut against the Jillaroos in New Zealand's final group game, Abigail retained her starting role in the halves alongside newly-crowned Golden Boot winner Raecene McGregor for the semi-final win over England. 

"My expectations for taking the field weren't too high, but I knew to stay ready," Abigail said. 

"I didn't think I played my best game against Australia - I think I was still getting over some nerves - but everyone in the team was supportive. 

"Raecene was huge, she just gave me so much confidence and encouraged me to back myself. 

"It wasn't long ago that I was watching her on TV in the NRLW and admiring her. 

"It's been surreal. Incredibly grateful for this opportunity, whichever way it goes from here."