It has been a whirlwind couple of weeks for young St George Illawarra forward Jacob Host.
The Renown United junior made his NRL debut for his boyhood club against the New Zealand Warriors before being selected for the Junior Kangaroos.
Host’s good month was almost capped off by realising a childhood dream – running onto UOW Jubilee Oval as a first grade player – against Canberra last Thursday night, the ground he grew up watching his Dragons with his family on the hill.
Host was originally named but eventually missed out on the final 17 that downed the Raiders in golden-point extra-time but told The Leader the last month had been a fairy tale.
“[Playing at Kogarah] is something I’ve dreamed about since I was a little kid,” he said.
“Being a fan since I can remember, growing up supporting the Dragons, coming to home games, sitting when there used to be a hill [at the northern end].
“We used to sit with the family on the hill before we had to move over to the hill that was left.
“I’d be jumping on the jumping castle and rolling down the hill before the game watching the boys run out.
“[I thought if I was able to be part of playing a game here] it’d be something I could tell the kids about when I’m old and grey.”
Host is hoping to remain part of the first grade squad, with the Dragons to play South Sydney at ANZ Stadium tomorrow night.
The 19-year-old sites Dragons legends Nathan Blacklock, Mark Gasnier and Matt Cooper as his childhood heroes but he is intent on creating his own history in the Red V.
Host said representing his family was the biggest thrill.
“Our whole family has been massive Dragons supporters our whole lives,” he said.
"They’re just so happy for me that I’m coming through the ranks and getting an opportunity.
“And playing for a team that they’ve associated themselves with for so long I guess there’s sort of a sense of pride for them.
“I think when I told my dad I was making my debut he was more excited than I was.”
His dad, Graham, was a St George SG Ball winning captain in the late 80s.
After a frantic phone call from son to father, Graham made his way to New Zealand to watch Jacob’s first grade debut.
But unfortunately not everyone made the game.
“My dad and my uncle went over but mum didn’t have a passport, she never really needed one so she missed out,” Host said.
“[Dad] was proud and happy, I think [he was] sort of happy I’ve come through where he left off.”
As good as this year has been so far for the 2014 Australian Schoolboy representative, Host isn’t done yet.
Maintaining his place in first grade and landing a NSW under-20s State of Origin jersey is already on the agenda.
“I’ve been saying it to family and friends that if you said 12 months ago I was going to be where I am today I would have laughed at them,” he said.
“But I’m definitely very happy with how I’m going this year.
“There’s just a few more boxes to tick as we go along, I’m progressing very well [but] I’m going to keep working hard.”
