Berry-Shoalhaven Heads Rugby League co-coach Trent Burns has written a moving tribute to Magpies’ youngster Blaine Rozs who was killed on Monday morning in a work accident. The full text is below.
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The tear-stained keyboard that I type this letter on will not be able to justify in words the human Blaine Rozs was, is and always will be.
Blaine was a salt of the earth human being that exuded so many qualities that are valued in society – not only was he an upstanding citizen – he was a teammate, a friend, a best friend and more importantly a brother, a partner and a son.
Our deepest sympathies are with his family and adoring partner during this time of immense grief and beyond.
As a community, the Berry-Shoalhaven Heads Rugby League players, committee and supporters are devastated at the loss of a man who is simply irreplaceable.
Blaine was able to touch the lives of many with his enthusiasm, drive and optimistic attitude.
He never let anything get in the way of his goals and so much can be learnt from his presence.
The way he treated others with respect and dignity will always sit with the people who knew him – he would go out of his way to make others feel special and no matter race, age, religion or creed –Blaine would never discriminate against a fellow human being.
Blaine was only in my life a short time but his impact has been humongous.
I cannot comprehend the loss those must be feeling of whom he came into contact at a much deeper level than I.
I had the honour of being his coach – during this time he didn’t realise that he was coaching me and teaching me a lesson about the attitude it takes to succeed. His actions matched his words. This can be seen in a recent post of his that read:
“A lot of naturally talented people get a lot of help to get where I dream to achieve, well keep your gifts. I’ll work hard and I know how to work real hard because I don’t represent gifts. I represent everyone who can at least share in the idea that you can have anything you want if you work hard enough for it!”
Blaine was an inspiration to so many with his determination, persistence and never say die attitude.
His passion was rugby league – his Facebook page describes his employment as prop at Berry-Shoalhaven Heads Magpies to which he dedicated time, love, blood, sweat and tears.
His approach to every aspect of preparation, training and game day was second to none.
He epitomised the belief that dreams can be achieved and he lived his life to the fullest.
His passion was rugby league, his partner and his family.
His spirit will always be a part of our football club and he provides us with daily inspiration to continue to put one foot in front of the other and keep moving in a forward direction – just like he would have wanted!
Our lives will never be the same and our community will never be the same.
We are all grateful at our club for having known a champion person and player.
Blaine has left us with many gifts that we can take away from knowing him – we are simply better people for having him in our lives.
This devastation will sit within the community as we rebuild ourselves with new understandings and appreciation of what Blaine Rozs stood for and the absolutely remarkable person he was.
This open letter will never do him justice, nor is that its purpose.
This just gives a small insight into the incredible man that was Blaine Rozs, to let others know that goals and dreams can be achieved and to let his legacy live on in others.
It lets others know how he touched many lives in such a positive way and how every human has the potential to do the same.
Blaine is an inspiration – much loved and adored. He was more than special, he was more than extraordinary and words on a page can’t convey the true essence of Blaine Rozs.
Blaine, from all the people at Berry-Shoalhaven Heads Rugby League community and beyond, we love and miss you and you will be forever living in our hearts and minds. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with your family and loved ones.
