Acton bounces back for Steamers spot

FAMILY MAN: New Steamers player Jesse Acton with his partner Alana Stevenson and their three sons, all named after All Blacks, Ali, 5 months, Israel, 2, and Taine, 4. PHOTO/JOHN BORREN 250614JB02BOP

"Last time I was just happy to be there but now I want to add some value to the team instead of being a passenger."

- New Steamer Jesse Acton

Relief. Then excitement. Two emotions that Jesse Acton felt on Monday after being named in the Steamers squad to contest the ITM Cup.

It should have been the same last year, but for a broken leg. The 25-year-old loose forward went under another player in a trials game, the resulting break meant months off rugby - and work - and time to ponder if he would ever reclaim that form.

"It was the trials match against the Chiefs and Waikato. In the first minute my leg got caught under another player and I broke both bones. It's been a long recovery, more mentally challenging. I wondered at the start if my leg would be okay but you go through rehab and physio and it makes you stronger than before."

Former Rotorua Boys' High School student Acton was in the 2012 Steamers and was hopeful of reclaiming that position last year before the injury dealt him that blow.

"[Steamers coach] Kevin Schuler came up to the hospital and said I'd had a good shot of getting into the team. It was pretty gutting. I guess it just drove me a bit more knowing I could have done it then and I could do it this year if I focused more."

This year the Bay of Plenty Union invited all triallists to a special function on Monday, where the union revealed who had made the cut.

"I was pretty rapt, I was relieved more than anything. It's taken a lot of hard work and there's been a lot of sacrifice for my partner as I've been away a lot with training and matches. We have three young boys. It was a relief to make the team.

"We didn't have any idea [who would be picked]. I took a big deep breath. Then I was relieved and excited."

Taine 4, Israel 2 and Ali, five months - and mum Alana Stevenson - will have to get used to Acton being away from home some more. The ITM Cup campaign will mean plenty of nights away as the team travels up and down the country trying to get as many points as they can.

"It's going to be tough juggling family and work but Kevin Schuler has five kids of his own so he's pretty understanding. I guess I'm lucky that my partner supports me to help me achieve my goal but I still have to work to put bread and butter on the table."

Acton works at Alpha Interiors at Mount Maunganui. He moved over there at the start of the year but returns regularly to Emery Park to train and play for Rotoiti, his boyhood club.

Clubmate Joe Royal is also in this year's Steamers, along with Whakarewarewa's Doug Edwards and Siegfried Fisiihoi.

"Hopefully I'll get a bit of game time," Acton said. "Last time I was just happy to be there but now I want to add some value to the team instead of being a passenger. We don't have much to prove - I guess we'll be underdogs most weeks."

Acton's coach at Rotoiti, Kevin Lee, said his selection should be seen as an inspiration to others.

"He's proof not to give up because of a serious injury," Lee said. "He could have quite easily thrown it in but he's pursued his goal and got the contract. It shows that not every injury is career-ending."

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union chief executive Mike Rogers said Acton was a "classic example" of club-level players whose performances have demanded they be picked for the squad.

"His last season was ruined by injury but his work ethic has been outstanding. He's been incredible. Being able to reward him was a great thing and we know he's going to be incredibly proud to represent the Bay."