BA =Blue Army
MR = Martin Roddy

BA = Full name and nickname if you have one ?
MR = Martin Roddy, Uncle Fester/Fester/Poppet

BA = How long have you been in Rugby League ?
MR =I started playing at 10 so 50 years

BA = Who have you played and coached in Rugby League ?
MR = I played at school and was due to go to Leigh but got expelled from school and decided to move south to avoid further troubles!!! I have coached at Wales/Crusaders, University of Gloucestershire All Golds, Gloucestershire Warriors and Oxford RL. I have also helped out at other RU clubs but nothing permanent.

BA = Do you like playing/coaching or watching ?
MR = If I could still play I would!!! But the next best thing is coaching and generally being involved in what I believe is the greatest game.

BA = What is your best moment in Rugby League ?
MR = To be honest there are two..when TB rang me and asked me to be his assistant. I had followed his career and knew he was a top coach and I couldn't believe my luck when he asked me to come to Oxford. I still have to pinch myself and will always be grateful to TB. Also I saw a young player at Warrington's Academy and I approached him and offered to sponsor him to help him develop his game by training as a part of the first team squad. Out of the blue he e mailed us and told us he had got his first pro contract. After his parents we were the first people to know!! He's called Tyrone McCarthy and went on to win two Challenge Cup winners medals!!!! He's now playing in Australia for Northern Pride with NRL clubs showing interest.

BA = What is your funniest moment in Rugby League ?
MR = There have been so many but probably the funniest was when I was at the All Golds we had one lad who was particularly well endowed! And very quick. On one occasion he broke the line and was sprinting for the line when he suddenly slowed up! We couldn't understand why and then he sped up again but didn't just have hold of the ball!!! He scored grounding the ball and holding his manhood in the other hand!!!!

BA = What do you think of Rugby League in the south ?
MR = I think there are a lot of good people who love the game and are involved in different roles and at different levels. There is a rich vein of talent in RU clubs and we are starting to attract quality converts to Oxford RL. The opportunities to develop the game are huge but I honestly believe the RFL has to walk the walk not just talk the talk....I'm sure you know what Im saying!!!!

BA = Why did you become a Rugby League fan ?
MR = It's part of our culture and way of life up north and I was brought up on the game being shown on TV on a Saturday afternoon with Eddie Waring commentating!! It's an uphandunda!!!!

BA = How did you become the part of ORL ?
MR =I work for Wales RL and I am a Board member. Part of my role is talent spotting and I went to the trials. TB asked me to help out and I had a great time and he "Inspired" me about the new club. He rang me as I already said and you know the rest!!!

BA = What is it like working for the ORL ?
MR = It's not a bed of roses because there is a lot of travel involved and it can be tiring and at times stressful. But I can't see me being at any other club. TB is so passionate and positive and he infects us with that. All the other staff are so committed that it's just so good to be around them! And what can you say about the players???!! Great lads and all characters so why would I want to go anywhere else?

BA = Were do you see the ORL in the next 5 year ?
MR = There is massive potential at ORL. The boys love being a part of what we are doing and they love the fact that they are given opportunities to play first team. And that's what we want to do...develop local talent at all levels in and around the city. I am sure if we continue as we are we will be knocking on the door for promotion but perhaps more importantly playing attractive rugby that will inspire quality players to come to the club.

BA = Do you think you can help raise the profile of the ORL ?
MR = If you keep calling me Poppet I'm sure I can!!!! I hope so... I did a lot of development work in North Wales and we cemented some great partnerships with a lot of clubs and organisations. I hope that I do enthuse people about the game that means so much to me.

BA = Can you tell us 5 thinks about the Club?
MR = 1, Iffley Road is an iconic stadium not just because it is the home of Oxford URU but because of Roger Bannister and the first sub 4 minute mile. 2, Only club to have player themed sweeties! And only club where the Assistant Coach gives the boys sweeties after training and the game (affectionately known as Saville's Sweeties!!!) 3, The club sticks to it's ethos that Dual Reg doesn't necessarily help a club develop and we use home grown local talent in the main. 4, We have a player who is a full Scotland International and has scored against Superleague opposition. 5, We have a Cambridge Blue as well as two Oxford Blues!!!

BA = What would you like from the ORL Blue Army ?
MR = More of the same!! It is fantastic to have such passionate support and it really lifts the boys. And stick with us we are in it for the long term!!

BA = Is there anything you would like to say to the Club, the player and are supporter ?
MR = Yes!! Thank you for letting me be a part of this great adventure.


Regards Fester

Thank you for your time Poppet