Hooker catches U18 squad spot
Selectors have picked Taupo teenager Chey Jacobs for an Under-18 Maori rugby squad – even though he’s just 15 years old.
The selection came off the back of the Te Hiku O Te Ika northern region Maori rugby tournament this month. The Under 18 squad is a pathway to the Maori All Backs.
Chey played hooker for the Waikato Maori U17’s team in the tournament.
Chey’s team, known as Tainui Waka were convincing winners against their opponents with scores like 38-22 against Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland), and 56-5 against the Bay of Plenty.
In the tournament final on October 15, they played Tamaki Makaurau.
The scores were five-all at halftime, but Tainui Waka took the game out of their opponent’s grasp, winning 29-5.
Chey was named ‘‘hooker of the tournament’’. The 15-year-old plays also hooker for Taupo-nuia-Tia College’s First VI.
The Under 18 rugby development camp will be held in Huntly in April. Players from six representative Maori teams from across the country will take part.
From the development camp, a North Island U18 Maori team will be picked. That team will play the South Island Maori team. A New Zealand U18 Maori team will be named in September 2017, following players’ performances in those matches.
When he was first offered a place in the Hamilton-based U17 Maori team, Chey was told because of the distance, he wouldn’t have to attend trainings.
‘‘I didn’t know half the boys and but I just walked in there and they made me feel welcome in the team,’’ he said.
As hooker, the Taupo-nui-a-Tia College student plays in the front row and makes a large number of tackles – the first line of defense.
In attack, hookers carry the ball forward and take part in rucks and mauls.
‘‘We’re the engine room, so the backs can use their wheels,’’ Chey said.
At 5 foot 10, Chey is the shortest in the Under 17 team, but it’s not a disadvantage for a hooker –Dane Coles’ position.
‘‘You’re always low – never high,’’ he said.
The rugby season had finished, but Chey would keep training throughout November until Taupo-nui-a-Tia College’s First IV trainings in December.
‘‘I’ll probably just go to the gym, go running and go pig hunting to keep me fit.’’