Fifita was arguably the best prop in the game last year and was integral in helping Cronulla to its maiden premiership.

He was controversially overlooked for the Clive Churchill medal despite scoring the grand final-winning try and was the most dominant figure on the field.  

Roach said it was time Fifita again be considered for national duty.

“I think he has done his penance,” Roach told Fox Sports.

Former team mate Michael Ennis backed Roach’s sentiments. 

“Personally I know he (Fifita) has done a lot of work off the field to address the issues that caused him trouble last year and his form this year has shown that,” Ennis said.

“He can do on the football field what few front rowers can do.”

But with the Kangaroos incumbents holding their form, Roach predicted coach Mal Meninga would remain loyal.  

“If you look at the front rowers who went on the tour last year — Shannon Boyd, David Klemmer — I reckon Mal will go with those guys because of that short turnaround,” he said.