Roach played his junior years with the Magpies - including a stint with the Knights and Sydney Roosters - but hasn't worn the black and white in over 10 years.

After helping Hawks Nest to a string of semis - even B-grade grand final wins in 2009 and 2012 - he's eager to put some early wins on the board with the Magpies.

Joining him in the coaching ranks will be Craig Murray, who will lead a second tier men's side, and Amy Walker, who will steer the women's league tag team.

"This town needs a competitive A-grade side, that's why I want to come back home to build that up," Roach said. 

"We want to change the culture of the whole town, from the supporters to the sponsors, and bring the old boys back, we just need the crowds."

Club officials estimate there's 250 potential players it can draw on with many Magpies juniors having left the nest to play with other clubs.

At the height of the Magpies' powers in the Tooheys Cup the club had about 700 juniors on its books.

"They used to say we had the largest junior base in the Southern Hemisphere," Roach said.

"We want to build things back up. We want two competitive mens teams within three years - we want our A grade team to win the competition in that space of time."

Roach, fresh off a win with the Newcastle Yowies in the Koori Knockout, isn’t scared of hard work.

He’s played 26 games in the past three weeks, including the Murri Carnival in Queensland.

The forward will set the bar high in terms of dedication and general fitness.

Known to have a passion for junior development, Roach explained it was his desire to pass on his knowledge of the game.

“I went to the Knights as a centre and came back as a front rower,” he said.

“But the biggest thing I learnt was just the professionalism and being able to bring that here. 

“We’ll be training two or three times before Christmas.”

Word has spread quickly through the rugby league community of Roach’s return to the Terrace. 

“We’ve already had interest from players in coming back to the Magpies,” Roach said.

“But we’re looking at holding a Christmas party, doubling as a sign up day.”

He doesn’t want to take anything for granted and he’s taking it one step at a time.

“It’s about family, friends and sponsors; they will all be welcomed and it will be the start of rebuilding our culture.”

Roach commands respect across the community. At Hunter River High where he works, Roach also coaches the girls team. In their first season the girls finished first in the state titles at Sydney.