BA = Blue Army
TR = Tessa Roddy

BA = Full name and nickname if you have one ?
TR =Tessa Roddy. Known as Mrs Rod, Mrs Roscommon Roddy, Mrs RR, TRod - and also people say"Don't Mess with Tess"

BA = How long have you been in Rugby League ?
TR = Probably around 20 years but I remember Eddie Waring and his Up and Under when I was a little girl living in Arundel Sussex long before I met Poppet who really got me into the greatest game.

BA = How did you become to work at ORL ?
TR = With my gorgeous Poppet Martin being the Assistant Coach it was only a matter of time before I got involved!

BA = What is it like working for the ORL ?
TR = Remember that we are mostly volunteers and that in itself demonstrates that the key focus for us all is on the club and the importance of building something that will last for many years to come.

BA = What do you think of Rugby League in the south ?
TR = Well I think that it's slowly slowly developing a stronger following but it's vital that RL is developed in schools at a young age (primary/junior). If it's done this way the young kids get their parents interested and it grows up with them.
It's a lot harder to try convert teenagers who mainly go with their mates and play union. Martin coached in schools in North Wales for Crusaders when they were in Superleague and the kids really engaged; one little lad was at the North Wales Crusaders game in Oxford's first season and he was thrilled to see Martin again and tell him how well he was progressing in his position of hooker - the impact Martin had made on him at an impressionable age is what it's all about.

BA = Why did you become a Rugby League fan
TR = Because Poppet introduced me to it and I absolutely loved it! I love live sport, I'm competitive and I like any opportunity to watch men in tight shorts and shirts grapple with each other in a tough, relentless physical game!

BA = What is your best moment in Rugby League ?
TR = There's quite a few being a Warrington season ticket holder but probably my best ever was the 2012 Challenge Cup when Warrington beat Leeds Whinos and Tyrone Tyke McCarthy scored a try. Tyke is very special to Martin and I, like a son. We were very fortunate to be watching the game from the Royal Box at Wembley and when he went over the line I think they heard us in Scotland! I cried and cried - I was so proud of Tyke's achievements. I can wax lyrical about Tyke all day !!

BA = What is your funniest moment in Rugby League ?
TR = It's got to be Sonny Bill Williams overshooting the in goal area at the HJ last November when playing for NZ v Samoa. We were stood on the terrace and it happened right in front of us. It was just one of those magic moments!! That was one of the most atmospheric games I have ever been to too.

BA = Who do you think is the best looking player in Rugby League ?
TR = Well for me it's Poppet first, then Tyke McCarthy - and then the most gorgeous Eorl Crabtree (he kissed me once and I nearly passed out!)

BA = Who do you think is the ORL happyes player ?
TR = It's got to be JJ!!' No that's a joke! I think Jimmy Rowland.

BA = Were do you see the ORL in the next 5 year ?
TR = I honestly hope that the club can continue to grow and develop local talent. It costs a lot of money to run a club and I worry that all clubs down south don't get the benefit of big money sponsors (maybe we need a Marwan Koukash!!)

BA = Do you think you can help raise the profile of the ORL ?
TR = Well I have tried to do that. My career is based on business development, sales and account management and it's a shame I'm unable to give any more of my time to help the club. That said social media is vital for spreading the word and I try my best on that side. I'm proud to say that I introduced one of my clients, Paul Burnell of Charles Derby Financial Advisers, to the club and he sponsored Rory Sharratt. Paul attended a number of the games and has totally bought into the club this season.

BA = Can you tell us 5 thinks about the Club?
TR = 1, We are the only club that sells player themed sweets to raise funds for the club. 2, Big Sam never fails to come and buy raffle tickets and sweets at every home game. 3, I Have nicknames for many of our loyal supporters. 4, Tommy Connick pestered me for weeks to name sweets after him and then never bought one bloody bag! 5, Young Matthew Smith (Ade and Julie's son) is a brilliant seller of raffle tickets, sweets and programmes with the most innocent approach that means people don't say no

BA = What would you like from the ORL Blue Army ?
TR = More of the same, more of you and get some unique supporters chants going so people can join in.

BA = Is there anything you would like to say to the Club, the player and are supporter ?
TR = I've been very proud to be able to give support to the club and do my bit. If we all did our bit we could make the club amazing - so all I ask is that. Let's make ORL amazing so that others want to be a part of it!

Thank you Tessa for your time

COYB's