There’s a good chance the Macquarie Scorpions game day wouldn’t run as smoothly if teenager Xavier Orchard didn’t turn up.
He volunteers as assistant coach of the Under 7s, then he grabs his referee shirt and whistle to handle another age group, and he’s the captain of the Under 15s leading his teammates through the warm-up before play.
After all the on-field roles are completed, he’s often seen in the canteen or working the tongs at the club BBQ.
Little surprise to see Orchard win the 2024 NSWRL Young Person of the Year award.
The game is also thankful Orchard chose Rugby League over athletics as his main priority.
“I just love playing it. It’s just a different sport to everything else – the physical part of it, the mateship and friends,” Orchard told nswrl.com.au
“I started in Under 7s so it’s been eight years now … can’t get enough of it.
“I normally ref before I play. I get there an hour before the game, set things up. After refereeing and coaching the Under 7s I’ll get to my game.”
He leans more towards playing as the most enjoyable, but Orchard is glad he did the RISE program aimed at younger players teaching them fitness and conditioning skills as well as tips on wellbeing, nutrition and personal development.
“After I did the RISE program, I got into refereeing off the back of that,” he said.
“I did a course and I also did my coaching course. It’s a good thing as you learn so much, especially all the rules. That helps when I play because you know rules others aren’t aware of.
“My mate started refereeing the other day and he asks me for tips all the time as he’s just learning. I like to share the knowledge.
“With refereeing, it can be a little hard sometimes … but you get to see and understand both sides of the game.”
His mother Georgie says her son’s multi-tasking is also having an effect on his teammates.
“It’s been so great to watch him do all these things and then I see other Under 15 boys turn around and say ‘How do I do my refereeing course?’
“It’s nice to see him setting an example. And seeing someone young refereeing makes it a new normal for players – it doesn’t have to be an older person.
“It brings a lot of energy to the club to see the younger guys want to get more involved.”
Orchard is many things for the Scorpions but when it comes to the NRL he is a Manly Warringah man through and through – until he gets to the No.7 jersey.
“I like the Sea Eagles but I really enjoy watching (Penrith’s) Nathan Cleary play. I’m a halfback and he’s the halfback so I get a lot of enjoyment watching him.”
Manly’s No.7 – Dally Cherry-Evans – has played for Australia too.
“I can’t support him – he’s from Queensland.”
