Josh Jacomb is a quickly rising first five-eighth. The 23-year-old steered Taranaki to the NPC Premiership title in 2023 and has secured a full-time Chiefs contract for the following two years.
Jacomb piqued the curiosity of the Chiefs selectors after a stellar marketing campaign for the Bulls. He performed eight video games and scored 71 factors as Taranaki captured their first Premiership since 2014.
The rookie out of Auckland’s Sacred Coronary heart Faculty actually got here of age within the finals. Within the 23-17 victory over Canterbury within the semi-finals, Taranaki’s twentieth win in 71 outings in opposition to the Purple and Blacks, he scored 12 factors, notching 125 meters with the ball in hand. He additionally pulled off a 50/22 together with his unnatural left boot.
Within the remaining in opposition to Hawke’s Bay, he performed a direct hand in two of Taranaki’s three tries of their 22-19 triumph.
In a pivotal 18-16 victory over Auckland in driving rain in New Plymouth he kicked the profitable penalty. Earlier within the season he’d had a area day in opposition to North Harbour with 24 factors and two tries.
Jacomb made 4 appearances, together with two begins, for the Chiefs in Tremendous Rugby Pacific.
“In case you’d informed me I might be a Tremendous Rugby participant this 12 months I might have laughed in your face,” Jacomb informed RugbyPass.
“I used to be initially introduced into the broader coaching group to cowl accidents within the preseason. I anticipated to be house in New Plymouth by March however when Kaleb Trask’s harm was worse than first thought one factor led to a different.
“There have been numerous feelings once I performed my first sport, shocked, anxious, excited. Benefiting from the alternatives and asking first rate gamers loads of questions have been objectives I got down to obtain.
“Damian McKenzie was bloody superior. When he got here again from the All Blacks, he was one of many first gamers to introduce himself. He was all the time ensuring I used to be concerned and in a great place.”
Born on the North Shore, Jacomb relocated to East Auckland when his mother and father cut up. Decided to provide rugby a good fist, Jacomb utilized for a spot at Auckland Grammar College. He was rejected so his mother and father despatched him to board at Sacred Coronary heart Faculty.
“I performed for the First XV in 2017 and 2018. Sadly, we didn’t win the championship. St Kent’s beat us within the ’17 remaining and had Tamati Williams, Rob Rush and Rivez Reihana. We had Chay Fihaki and Corey Kellow,” Jacomb mirrored.
“I made buddies for all times at Sacred Coronary heart. It’s superior wanting again now and seeing who kicked on. Brother John. He’s a dwelling legend that man. I nonetheless be in contact with him. He helped me turn into a greater particular person.”
With little alternative in Auckland, Jacomb relocated to New Plymouth. He debuted for Taranaki in 2021. That season Taranaki received all ten matches and captured the now defunct Championship title.
Neglected in 2022, Jacomb discovered his groove in 2023 as Taranaki adopted Eire’s sport plan with spectacular success.
“Being a triple menace as a ten is fascinating. That may be a good run, cross and kick. If you are able to do these issues to a superb stage, that’s a serious benefit.
“My greatest work-on is choice making. I’ll get higher at that with extra time within the saddle. Choosing the right moments to make the most of every menace is essential.
“Final 12 months we embraced a special type of play for positive. There have been numerous questions and a few uncertainty at the beginning however as soon as we broke it down it was easy. Our coaches didn’t overcomplicate it and did a superb job explaining it.
“It’s all about creating an additional man, profitable the bodily battle, producing fast ruck ball and having our bodies in movement with extra choices”
Taranaki began the 2024 NPC with a snug win over Counties however narrowly misplaced to Wellington who received 24 of their final 26 matches on Sunday. It was Taranaki’s first loss in six video games.
Taranaki ought to be a number one contender with veteran forwards like Ricky Riccitelli, Reuben O’Neil, Ricky Kaylum Boshier, Michael Bent and Tom Franklin to summon. Out broad Kini Naholo and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens are main threats. Jacomb combines strongly with fellow Chiefs halfback Adam Lennox.
Jacomb has achieved his rugby success as a younger father. Final 12 months his accomplice and gymnasium supervisor Bonnie Henderson-Waho gave delivery to a child lady Jorji-Lee. The couple have purchased a home and have one other child on the way in which.
“Rugby has taught me endurance, consistency and communication – though Bonnie would most likely say I’m nonetheless a piece in progress,” Jacomb laughed.