Community rugby league clubs and the volunteers who run them, are our game's biggest and most prized assets.
From that one lady who has served in her club’s canteen for over 30 years to the groundsman, who - week after week - ensures the lines are chalked up for the weekend’s games.
They are some of the most dedicated people involved within the local Rugby League Brisbane scene.
Quite simply, without volunteers the wheels come to a grinding halt.
One such volunteer is Jason Stanton, a regular at the famous Wests Mitchelton Panthers club.
Stanton is one of many on any given Saturday who ensures games go ahead at Frank Lind Oval, giving up his own valuable time to be on touch judge duty at all Panthers home games.
“You can easily say I’ve been a Wests Mitchelton fan since 2015," the Panthers diehard said.
"The club are really close knit and I just love the Panthers.
"I’ve made some really good friends at the club and I just do my bit to ensure the games go ahead by running the line at all home games.
"I know that sometimes it can be a struggle for clubs to have a linesman on game days, but I always ensure I’m someone the club can rely on and put my hand up when the club needs volunteers.
"I’ve been a linesman at the Panthers now since 2018 and I really enjoy the atmosphere of the big crowds we get at our home games... you really get a buzz out of it.”
Stanton is bang on the money when he speaks of the vocal crowds who make the pilgrimage each home game to watch the mighty Panthers go around.
These devoted and diehard Mitchy supporters come out in force to cheer on the club that has seen the likes of Paul 'Fatty' Vautin and the Berrigan brothers in Shaun and Barry suit up for the northside club.
The club are really close knit and I just love the Panthers.
Jason Stanton Wests Mitchelton volunteer
With the 2020 season boasting not one, but two senior Panthers men’s sides in this shortened coronavirus-affected season, it’s a true testament to the club who are able to attract quality players year after year no matter the circumstances.
They are one club who continue to survive with the help of volunteers like Stanton who put in countless hours to ensure the club’s survival.
“I’ve got no plans in stopping doing what I love and the Panthers do look after me with volunteering my own time," Stanton said.
"I just wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
"I just want to keep coming back and help the club in any way I can.”
Stanton will be on the line once again this weekend when the Panthers do battle.
Wests Mitchelton have a bumper day planned this weekend at Frank Lind Oval with two home matches penciled in for Saturday afternoon following Round 1 of the Holcim Cup, starting with the Division 3 Men’s side kicking off at 5:30pm against Brighton.
The Division 1 matchup against Albany Creek will follow at 7pm.
