The fact his father, former All White Marty Akers, is a past Rovers stalwart/striker who played for the multiple title-winning winter national league club at his prime may have influenced his decision a little but Jorge Akers likes to think it's his own choice although he and his father had discussed the matter.
For the record, Akers is no longer Robertson's assistant because of the demands of coaching NBHS First XI.
While making the starting XI is the ambition, the younger Akers has no qualms about coming off the bench to prove his worth.
"It takes a little bit of getting used to but it's all right," says the year 13 pupil, adding training nights provided the ideal platform to work out what made other teammates tick.
Akers, who has started in two games and come off the bench in the rest in the Rovers' one-win, one-draw and three-loss record, hasn't scored for the Rovers as he used to for Marist although he had some opportunities against Wellington United last Sunday in the 6-2 loss. The calibre of defence and goalkeeping demands a more killer instinct than he has been accustomed to in the Computer Care HB Premiership for three years.
"There's no pressure. Obviously I'd like to score but I'll keep playing and set up goals for other people so it's all right."
The former Taradale FC junior is enjoying playing alongside prolific goal scorer Angus Kilkolly.
Travelling adds another dimension but he's up for the challenges that come with it.
He rates the opening-round 3-3 draw against Lower Hutt City on April 1 his toughest because of the different level of intensity, speed and fitness required on an artificial turf.
"It's normally quite windy there and not playing at home you don't have the crowd behind you, I suppose."
However, he is developing the art of shutting out any banter or wisecracks from the cheap seats even at home.
"It's harder going away from home but the boys do a good job of lifting us up."
The 6-2 loss to Wellington United last Sunday was difficult to swallow.
A gungho Alexander Electric Napier Marist, after winning their Chatham Cup (national knockout) preliminary qualifier against Gisborne Thistle on Anzac Day, had thrown down the gauntlet to the Rovers.
Marist are now playing away against Manawatu Redsox in round one while the Blues will host the Chris Greatholder-coached Havelock North Wanderers on May 13-14.
Nevertheless, Akers is delighted to see his old team outplay Thistle for a thoroughly deserved victory.
He loves everything about the code but also acknowledges qualities his mother, the late Linda Akers, possessed as a top amateur golfer before she lost her battle with cancer when he was 12 years old.
"I have her determination, her want and strength," he says.
Akers harbours a desire to become a professional footballer abroad but is mindful a lot of hard work and dedication are required on the long road to realising that ambition.
"I'll need to start getting my name out there a little bit more," he says. If that path becomes a little shaky his back-up plan is to attend university although he is unsure what his major will be.
STOP OUT: James McPeake (GK), 2 Jono Steele, 3 James Sharp, 4 Scott Henderson, 5 Kade Schrijvers, 6 Devon Batchelor, 7 Martin Packer, 8 Justin Gulley, 9 Jerram Tuck, 10 Micky Malivuk, 11 Andrew Abba, 12 Daniel de Gans, 13 Brayan Heredia, 14 Luke Grindlay, 16 Jason Tipping, 17 Steve Guley, 18 Cherbel Khouchaba, 19 Levi Mcfarlane, Chris Campbell (RGK).
Coach: Chris Sambrooke.
NAPIER CITY ROVERS: 1 Ruben Parker Hanks (GK), 4 Charlie Yexley, 5 Matt Bruin, 6 Oliver Coren, 7 Jean-Michel Paulin, 9 Angus Kilkolly, 11 Jorge Akers, 12 Ethan Ladd, 14 Josh Stevenson (vc), 15 James Hoyle, 16 Danny Wilson, 17 Fergus Neil (c), 18 Ross Willox, 19 Chris McIvor, 21 Kyle Baxter (RGK).
Coach: Bill Robertson.
