This article was originally posted on stuff.co.nz and written by Aaron Goile (https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/350209316/new-dad-josh-jacomb-embraces-sudden-pack-chiefs-chance)

Josh Jacomb did not expect to be packing up and moving away from his partner and young daughter early in the New Year.

But a sudden shot at Super Rugby Pacific has seen some sacrifices made by the rookie Chiefs playmaker, and those around him, as he now all of a sudden adjusts his rugby goals.

The 22-year-old Taranaki first-five was considered one of the unluckiest players in the country to miss out on a Super contract, fresh off guiding the amber and blacks to glory in the NPC.

There was consolation in being included as one of five players in the Chiefs’ wider training squad, but things have quickly got a wee bit more serious with Kaleb Trask still battling a long-term injury issue.

That saw Jacomb brought into the main squad as a replacement, for the opening six rounds, initially, and swiftly have to pack up from partner Bonnie and baby daughter Jorgi-Lee in New Plymouth to make the move to Hamilton where he’d be required fulltime instead of two days a week.

Making appearances in all three pre-season games − including a standout display against Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay on the trip to Japan − it was still quite the jolt for Jacomb to be handed a debut against the Reds in Brisbane in round three.

Josh Jacomb gets into the action against the Wild Knights on the Chiefs’ pre-season trip to Japan.TORU HANAI / GETTY IMAGES

“I didn’t get told before [the team meeting on the Tuesday], so it was a nice little surprise sitting in there, a few different emotions − surprised, shocked, a bit anxious,” Jacomb refelcts to Stuff.

Such was the short notice, family didn’t make the trip across the ditch to be in the stands for his 10-minute cameo. What they, and Jacomb, himself, did not bank on, though, was another chance just seven days later.

When Josh Ioane left training sick last Tuesday afternoon, the youngster was told to stay ready for the Saturday night’s game against the Fijian Drua in Hamilton, before getting his place in the reserves confirmed on Thursday morning.

And so when Jacomb set foot on Waikato Stadium for the final 15 minutes of the 46-29 victory, he had “a good little support crew in the crowd” in family from Auckland, as well as one awake eight-month-old little girl, and a partner he knows he certainly owes a lot to.

He wasn’t named in the Chiefs’ contracted squad for the season, but Josh Jacomb has now already notched two caps.MICHAEL BRADLEY / GETTY IMAGES

“It definitely changes things, being away from home,” Jacomb says. “But I probably wouldn’t be here if my partner didn’t want me to. She’s a massive supporter of mine. So for allowing me to almost pack up and move to a different city while she stays home and holds down the fort, I thank her so much for that.”

In Hamilton, Jacomb lives with wider training group member and Taranaki team-mate Mills Sanerivi, and Naitoa Ah Kuoi − the biggest personality you could find in the Chiefs’ team.

“It’s something different, that’s for sure,” Jacomb quips of what it’s like sharing a house with the massively extroverted second-rower.

“It’s good after a big training day, he’s usually a bit more quiet. But we love his energy, he definitely gets me out of my comfort zone.”

Having grown up in Auckland but been a big watcher of the Crusaders due to being a Dan Carter “fan boy”, Jacomb is now soaking up everything he can from arguably the competition’s premier No 10 in Damian McKenzie − a player he used to watch growing up through high school.

“And even the likes of Josh [Ioane] and the other older boys with more experience, the biggest thing I’ve probably learnt is how they deliver messages, how they’re calm, and what they expect from others. That’s what you want from your 10s.”

Jacomb says there hadn’t been much disappointment on his part when missing out on an initial Super contract, noting that even though it was his third NPC season, he hadn’t really been logging consistent game-time for the Naki until a month or so out from the playoffs.

But sometimes you don’t have to wait too long for things to turn, notes Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan.

Josh Jacomb has made a big impression at NPC level for Taranaki, including steering them to the title last season.ANDY JACKSON / GETTY IMAGES

“He’s probably been given more of an opportunity in the Chiefs environment than what he may have anticipated initially,” he says of his young charge.

“He’s making every post a winner. I guess with Damian and Josh there he understands that the opportunities are going to be limited when those two are fit and available. But he comes in and he works hard every day, and he’s certainly an exciting talent that is going to play a big part in the Chiefs’ future.”

So, on the back of this rapid rise, what now are the revised goals for this promising playmaker, then?

“It’s a good question,” Jacomb says. “If you asked me two weeks ago, I would’ve said to be making my debut.

“Yeah, it’s funny how some things work out. I know each opportunity I get now, I just need to keep improving and taking a step forward.

“Just leaving no stone unturned and making sure I make the most of it.”

Article added: Thursday 21 March 2024