RNZ – With his father a respected Samoan chief, there was only one man Jacob Laban wanted advice from regarding his international rugby league future.
Eligible to represent both Samoa and New Zealand, Laban had a choice to make.
“I was born in Samoa and obviously I could play for Samoa, so I had a chat to my dad. My dad’s Samoan. My dad’s a chief. He’s got a Matai.”
Despite the pride that would have come with seeing his son pull on a Samoan jersey, Laban’s father Patelesio said it was about respect, not roots.
“When I had to talk to him about who I should pick, he said that I should play for Kiwis because New Zealand gave me a chance to make a home. I want to pay them back and I still owe so much to them.”
Laban said after getting his father’s blessing, it was ultimately an easy decision.
“I was leaning more towards the Kiwis but, like, it’s a reason to have that chat with my dad, like just made me feel at ease, some (elders) are proud of their country and for him to say that to me was what I needed.”
Laban was at home with his partner when coach Stacey Jones made the call informing him of his Kiwis selection.
“I was just cleaning. And then he called me, I showed my missus and then we were jumping up and down. I answered the call, he told me I was in and then we keep jumping up and down again.”
Despite growing up in a union-loving nation, Laban only ever wanted to play for the Warriors and Kiwis.
“You work almost your whole childhood to try and make NRL debut, and then to represent the country, I’m starstruck.”
Laban is one of four new names in the Kiwis 23-man squad, alongside Kalyn Ponga, Dane Gagai, and and Tanner Stowers-Smith.
As well as making his international debut, Laban is also looking forward to potentially lining up against Warriors teammates Chanel Harris-Tavita, who represents Samoa internationally, and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Demitric Vaimauga for Tonga.
“I know we’re going to have a laugh and try to take each other heads off but like, at the end of the day, we’re still mates. Whatever happens on the field stays on the field.”
Laban said the pain of losing both NRL playoffs was still raw, particularity after watching Sunday’s grand final.
“It should have been us this year but it is what it is. Time to focus on Kiwis now.”
