Ray Fitiao reckons he is just one of thousands of volunteers throughout the country who all chip in to keep the game ticking along.
The Otago and University Rugby League Club stalwart would have you believe there is nothing special about his long service to the sport.
The national body certainly believes differently.
They presented the 48-year-old teacher with New Zealand Rugby League's distinguished service award at a ceremony at Kaikorai Valley College yesterday.
''It's a warm feeling,'' he told the Otago Daily Times.
''You don't think that you are going to be singled out in any capacity because you are just doing what you love doing. For someone to pat you on the back and say, 'Hey, well done', it takes you back a little bit.
''You don't expect huge rewards. Your rewards are you meet lots of good people.''
Fitiao laced up his boots for the first time in 1985 and kept playing until 1999.
He has remained active long after his last hit-up, assuming a plethora of roles throughout the years, including many administration duties.
He is chairman of Otago Rugby League and, remarkably, he has been the head coach at University since 1990.
He had a stint as Otago coach from 1999-2007 and has returned to coach the team this season.
The long-suffering Warriors fan is a busy man with a very understanding wife - Sarah Cross.
The couple have two children. Noah is 5 and Benji is 2 and definitely not named after Benji Marshall, although the suggestion brings a broad smile.
It was the Southern Zone who nominated Fitiao.
General manager Steve Martin made the written submission in which he described Fitiao as ''a tireless servant of the game in Otago spanning three decades''.
''In an area that has only just re-established itself, he has been the glue and the constant throughout the last three decades of his club and absolutely Otago Rugby League,'' Martin wrote.
''Battling in a region where rugby union has been very strong, he has continued to promote and drive rugby league in the University and Otago overall.
''He has undertaken virtually every role possible ... [and] Ray has single-handedly, at times, kept his club Otago University going.
''He is a modest self-effacing person who does not seek rewards or kudos but does what he does for the love of the game.''
