“The time was right”: Nathan Rose on his return to South City and stint at Kangaroos

Tallon Smith

It has been labelled the biggest move of the Group 9 off season, Wagga Kangaroos coach Nathan Rose returning to his junior club South City Bulls for the 2026 season.

Now, the star five-eighth has opened up to Battlers For Bush Footy on his return to the Bulls, his time at Kangaroos, and why he won’t be featuring in Group 9’s Kelly Cup defence in February.

Speaking on his recently announced return to South City, Rose said it was driven by a desire to play with and be around family and friends involved with the club.

“I’ve got some family that’s still involved there at South City that’s within the club and within the footy team, so it’s great to be back,” he said.

“I’ve coached a lot of these boys coming through the juniors, and I coached a few of the boys when I was coaching First Grade at South City.

“It’s exciting times ahead to link back up with those boys and hopefully be up the top end of the table at the end of next year.”

Rose won back-to-back premierships at the Bulls in 2016 and 2017 (*Photo: Tahlia Crane*)

After leaving the Bulls to win a premiership with Gundagai, before linking with Kangaroos, many have speculated that Rose is returning back to where it all began to spend the remainder of his career with South City.

However, when asked if he has thought about where he would like to finish his career, Rose said he doesn’t know what the future holds.

“It’s hard to answer that question if I’m being totally honest,” he said.

“Right now I just feel the time is right to return home, and I’m focused on trying to get myself fit and healthy for next year, and just really live in that moment.

“As I said I’ve picked up a few injuries in the 12 to 18 months, I’m just not sure we’re I’m at with my body and whatnot, so I can’t give you a definite answer, it’s probably just going to be a yearly thing, and [I’ll] just see how it pans out.”

Rose in action for Gundagai against Wagga Brothers at McDonald’s Park in 2022 (*Photo: Tahlia Crane*)

During his tenure at the Wagga Kangaroos, Rose led the club to three consecutive Grand Finals, only to fall in all three to Tumut, Young and Gundagai respectively.

Despite all three being painful losses, Rose said that the defeat to the Tigers this year was the most painful given that the Roos went in favourites in that match, after starting underdog in the previous two deciders.

However, he said that he enjoyed his time at the club, and is proud of the growth the club has seen under his coaching.

“I guess when I first went to Kangaroos, my main focus was leaving the place better than I found it,” he said.

“I feel I’ve done that, and obviously other than falling short in a couple of Grand Finals, the club’s in a really good place now.

“So even though it’s a bit disappointing for Kangaroos that I’m leaving, the club’s still in a really good place in terms of footy.”

Rose starred during his stint with Gundagai, winning the John Hill Medal as Best on Ground in the 2022 Grand Final (*Photo: Tahlia Crane*)

As for representative honours, something he has been widely tipped for ahead of the return of the Kelly Cup in February, Rose said that an unfortunate injury will prevent him from taking to the field in the Riverina’s traditional showpiece event.

“No [I won’t be playing], to answer your question,” he said.

“Not that many people knew, but I picked up an injury in the last round game before we started the finals campaign.

“I tried to hide it as best I could, and it got us to the Grand Final, but not good enough to win it.

“I had to have a little surgery, so I won’t be ready for the Kelly Cup unfortunately.”