The 18-year-old has become something of a legend in Kiama Rugby Club ranks as a player, referee and now coach - never missing the opportunity to further his skill set in the sport he loves.

"I played with Kiama Knights junior league in the under-8s, but surprisingly, that wasn't my first football experience as I filled in for the under-11s rugby at the age of six. It wasn't really an issue - I was the same size as them," he said with a grin.

Panayi played both league and union from under-10s to 16s, but it was getting too difficult to play two games each weekend, so he decided to stick with union.

"I was also refereeing rugby by that stage and it is something I really enjoy.

"Sometimes you hear people singing out from the sideline, but I figure that I am doing the job to the best of my ability and I know the rules better than most of the people on the sidelines anyway.

"I love refereeing - it gets you involved in the game and you see everything first-hand.

"I refereed my first grand final in the under-12s in 2011 and have now done three grand finals."

His latest adventure came when he put his hand up again - this time when his younger brother Andreas' team were struggling for coaches.

"I thought, 'why not?' I have played and refereed, so I did the coaching course and was offered a co-coaching role. It wasn't our best year, but I really enjoyed it.

"From there I have continued as an assistant coach and last year I was asked to be involved on the coaching staff of Illawarra by my fellow Kiama coach, Dave Crowe.

"I really enjoy the coaching role. You get to have first-hand experience with the players and get to develop a relationship with the players and the captain. It is their first year in rep and it is important you make it fun, but on the other hand make sure they learn as much as they can."

After bringing up his 100th junior game with the Kiama club in under-17s two years ago, he took last year off playing to focus on his HSC.

"I didn't do that well, but still qualified to attend the UOW College, and will do a diploma of business and hope to do a BA the following year.

"I pride myself on being fairly organised and would eventually like to do events or management at one of the Super Rugby franchises or something similar."

Meanwhile, he will return to the playing field with his beloved Kiama Cows in seniors for the 2015 season, and hopes to referee at the annual Kiama Rugby Sevens on February 28.

"That would be pretty cool," he said.

"I love being at the Sevens and to referee there would be great."