NEARLY 27, father to an 18 month old and working two jobs — welcome to the far from glamorous life of a rugby league player.

But Nathan Ross is no ordinary player.

While most NRL rookies are dubbed the next big things from an early age, others make their way through the lower grades off the back of hard work, a family name or reputation.

Some just simply slip through the cracks and are forgotten.

Round 20

This is where Newcastle’s latest NRL debutant comes in.

Turning 27 in November, Ross juggles work as a health and safety officer with being a professional footballer, all in the name of living his NRL dream.

Nathan Ross celebrates scoring a try. Source: AAP

“It’s extremely hard to find time to fit in both,” Ross told foxsports.com.au.

“I have to manage recovery, our fitness and ball sessions and then also have to manage getting to sites and the office, putting reports in and stuff like that.

“It’s long days and long hours but it’s all paid off for a dream come true.”

Ross works as many as three days a week inspecting sites and providing reports.

While his Knights teammates enjoy their days off from training, Ross is working, which means long days.

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When interim-coach Danny Buderus handed Ross his debut jersey for their clash against St George Illawarra last week, he had still worked his regular week away from the football club but playing first grade in Kogarah meant he was unable to submit his time sheet.

“Usually we get a day off during the week with the Knights, so I’ll work with Downer, then I’ll do my recovery of a night time with the NSW Cup boys,” he said.

Nathan Ross scores a try against Josh Dugan. Source: AAP

“Then depending on how far we are out from a game and who they’ve picked in the team, I could be working and training half a day.

“It’s a lot to fit in but it’s good fun.

“I’ve actually got to get in and put in my time sheet on Monday morning, then off to recovery.”

Fortunately for the Coogee and Burleigh junior, his bosses are loyal Knights fans and supportive of his dream to make it in the top grade.

“I’m pretty sure the boss of the company made the road trip down (to Kogarah Oval),” Ross said.

“They are mad Knights supporters, so if there’s a situation where I need the day off for training, they’re more than happy to give me the day off to go train.”

While Ross will forever be etched into Newcastle history as player 262, he could have easily been yet another special talent never to have made the grade.

Having bounced around the Queensland and Newcastle leagues, Ross quit his job in the mines after securing a second-tier contract in 2014 following a standout season playing for Kurri Kurri in the local league.

Nathan Ross of the Knights looks on. Source: Getty Images

Named fullback in the NSW Cup team of the year last season, Ross scored 17 tries in 16 games.

His hard work was rewarded with a new two-year deal, be it a base-wage second-tier contract.

But just like the song by Journey, Ross lives by the mantra — don’t stop believing.

“I thought I may have missed the boat for another year,” he said.

“Rugby league has a weird way of rewarding people who keep turning up.

“It gave back to me last weekend and allowed me to fulfil a dream.

“Now I can be a good role model to my son and tell him to always chase his dreams.”

Not only did he get to realise his dream but he scored a try on debut.

In celebrating his four-pointer which saw him beat NSW fullback Josh Dugan in a footrace for the corner, Ross dedicated the try to his son Ziah.

“It’s a Z for Ziah,” he said of the hand gesture he made after crossing the white line.

“I threw it up for me so maybe when he grows up he can be like ‘my dad was there’ and proud of me.

“I do it for him a bit as a sign of respect and to let him know no matter where I am I’m thinking of him.

“In the highlight of my life so far, I was thinking of him.”

Nathan Ross of the Knights scores a try. Source: AAP

Having ticked his latest goal off his bucket list, Ross isn’t wasting any time reflecting.

He’s already turned his attention to securing his place in the NRL side and spending the remaining five rounds as the club’s first-choice winger.

“It’s my spot to lose at the moment,” he declared.

“I don’t want to be wearing the number 18 next time.

“I want to be wearing either the five or two. I don’t want it to be a high number, I want it to be in the starting line-up.”

And Ross is on track to tick yet another wish off his list after being named in jersey no.5 on Tuesday to face the Roosters at Hunter Stadium this weekend.