ALL SMILES

IF you check out Rhys Gosson’s highlight reel you would be hard-pressed to find a 50-metre runaway try.

Nor would you witness an opposition player being up ended and sat on his arse.

You see, Gosso, is one of those quiet achievers who goes about his business on the footy field with minimal fuss.

Gosso has been the backbone of the Redmen scrum for the past three-years and delivers week-in-week-out with little fanfare.

On Saturday, the Grafton tight-head prop will run out for the Redmen in his 200th game.

A fantastic achievement for a guy who started his playing career in the Redmen under-17 side.

“I started playing rugby for the Redmen back in 2010 in the under-seventeens,” Gosson said.

“I worked my way through the grades playing in third grade, Presidents Cup, second grade and now find myself running out for first grade.”

Like most prop-forwards, they believe themselves to be top of the food chain when it comes to rugby positions and revel in putting their head in dark scary places.

“I started off as a loose-head prop and have ended up playing tight-head, “Gosson explained.

“I always pack with a smile on my face and try to out-muscle the opposition. I love scrummaging…the more scrums the better.”

The 31-year-old Redmen front-rower was rewarded this season with his first taste of representative rugby when he was selected in the Mid North Coast Axemen side which competed at the NSW Country Championships.

“It was certainly a challenge, but an enjoyable one,” Gosson admitted.

“The games were very fast and something I wasn’t used to, but it was a fantastic experience, and I learned a lot. Hopefully I can bring back what I picked up to club level.”

When asked about his rise from third grade to cementing a regular spot in the first grade starting side, Gosson was quick to point out the influence Grafton first grade coach Gary Powell has had on his career.

“I really enjoy playing under Powelly, he’s found a way to push me and make me a better player,” Gosson said.

“Powelly has faith in me and has taught me so much about certain aspects of the game and puts in a lot of time helping me develop as a player.”

Grafton takes on SCU Marlins at home on Saturday in a crucial game.

Let’s hope for Gosso’s sake there are plenty of smiles and scrums, although the spectators may disagree.

Nico