The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word BENEFITS
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "rewards" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case rewards = benefits.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does BENEFITS mean?
BENEFITS noun- An advantage; help or aid from something.
- A payment made in accordance with an insurance policy or a public assistance scheme.
- An event such as a performance, given to raise funds for some cause.
- Beneficence; liberality
- To be or to provide a benefit to.
- To receive a benefit (from); to be a beneficiary.