The Country Rugby League and the NRL wish to express the game's sincere condolences to the family, friends, teammates and co-workers of Blaine Rozs, who passed away on the NSW South Coast yesterday morning.
Blaine was a promising prop from the Greater Southern Region, having represented the Southern Stingrays under-18s in 2012, Illawarra Steelers Harold Matthews and SG Ball team and also St George Illawarra's Holden Cup side.
A popular member of the CRL's Greater Southern Academy in 2012, Blaine was remembered fondly by Academy coach David Hayward and team mates alike for his work ethic on and off the field.
In 2015, Blaine was set to return to junior club, the Berry-Shoalhaven Heads Magpies in CRL's South Coast Group 7 competition.
The Country Rugby League has been deeply saddened at the news of Blaine's passing, not only for the loss of a talented young footballer, but also a wonderful young man.
CRL CEO Terry Quinn said: "On behalf of the Country Rugby League, we would like offer our sympathies and support to everyone affected by the tragic loss of Blaine Rozs.
"The rugby league family is heartbroken to lose one of our own so young, and will band together for everyone in this time of grief."
NRL Head of Football Todd Greenberg also expressed his condolences on behalf of the National Rugby League.
"On behalf of all here at the NRL we would like to offer our sympathies to the Blaine's family and our thoughts are with the local rugby league community, his fellow teammates at the Dragons and the Berry-Shoalhaven Heads Magpies where Blaine played," Greenberg said.
"There is no sadder news in the sporting community than to hear about the loss of a fellow player.
"We also encourage teammates who feel that they may need assistance to utilise the services available through our Player Welfare and Education Department to help them through this period."
Vale Blaine Rozs.