Getting a free sausage sandwich was all the reward Zane Boss needed while helping out with the running of the Walla junior rugby program on a Friday night during the past two years.
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But now he's received a far bigger prize after being named the recipient of the Rivwest Perpetual Trophy for 2020.
The trophy is awarded to a Dubbo Junior Rugby Club player who best exemplifies the qualities of sportsmanship, leadership, and citizenship.
Boss was a key part of the Roos' under 16s Blues side forward pack this year but his involvement in the game goes much deeper than that.
"I love it with a passion," he said of rugby.
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Despite being so busy on and off the field during the season, the Rivwest Perpetual Trophy still came as a surprise for Boss.
"It was surprising. I wasn't expecting it at all," he said after being presented with the trophy by Rivwest Finance's Bob Elliott on Tuesday.
"I couldn't be happier with it all. All exciting."
Boss' work with younger players started last year when he and a mate asked around if there was any help needed with the running of the Walla program.
Before he knew it he was coaching midweek and then also taking control of games as referee on a Wednesday night.
"And got a free sausage sandwich out of it so that's always good," Boss added, having coach the under 9 Waratahs team this year.
"They're all good kids and it was good fun."
Much of his desire to help out was developed by the sense of community in the club and the efforts of outgoing coach James Austin.
Someone long involved with junior Roos sides, Austin has been Boss' mentor in recent seasons and has left a real impression.
"I absolutely appreciate it and admired him and the way he coached and dealt with things," Boss said of his coach.
"It was outstanding."
The season was another enjoyable one for Boss but there was one point earlier in the year when he didn't think he would be playing at all.
"I remember hearing the news about COVID and everything was shutting down for a bit and we were all disappointed about that," Boss said.
But then after a few months of lockdown the restrictions eased and the news he and everyone else involved in community sport had been waiting for arrived.
"We couldn't wait to get back into it and we were just happy to get in the games we did," he added.
Boss, most commonly found playing in the front row or at hooker, will advance from the under 17s to colts next season.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
