KEY POINTS:
If his attitude ever wavers, if he ever feels dispirited about his day job, it does not take Hurricanes fullback Cory Jane long to bounce back.
Becoming a father has given Jane a much better sense of purpose and perspective in coping with the demands of professional rugby.
The job is not just about him any more. His world has expanded with his wife and 8-month-old son Cassius.
"It was always my dream to get to the top in rugby, that was always my ambition," Jane said, "but sometimes I would go off-course a bit. Now, though, I look at Cassius and know I have got to do the business for him all the time. I want him to look up to his dad.
"Since I've been married and had my boy I think I have grown up a bit."
Jane is the dreadlocked fullback who has been a strong performer for the Hurricanes in his debut season. He has surged through the ranks after an outstanding sevens season last year for New Zealand, including a Commonwealth Games gold medal, selection for the New Zealand Maori side and some sharp form for Wellington in the provincial series.
The 23-year-old was recognised by Wellington in 2003 but the fullback/wing/utility blamed his "bad attitude" the following season for his lack of progress.
His love for rugby never wavered but he allowed a loyalty to club rugby to interfere with the plans of his provincial coaches.
The outcome was that he spent a year with Hawkes Bay and "woke up" to himself a bit. That development continued with his family responsibilities.
"You have to be pretty disciplined if you want to keep improving your rugby," Jane said as he contemplated tomorrow night's clash with the Blues in Wellington. "You have to be much more aware of how you could get injured like playing touch or other sports with your mates, you know you can't get involved in any stupid things. I get reminders every day when I go out the door and say goodbye to my little boy."
Jane also credits the doctrines of national sevens coach Gordon Tietjens and the demands of the abbreviated game for his improvements.
"I learned a huge amount about option-taking, defence and using the space you get in sevens while Titch was always strict about what food we ate. All those principles have been good in the longer game."
Jane has played wing but prefers to be at fullback where he has edged out Shannon Paku and Tamati Ellison this season for the Hurricanes.
"My goal was to make the starting squad this year. I wanted to get into the 22 from the beginning. When I was then picked, my game plan was to be solid on defence.
"If that clicked then I was sure the flashier stuff, the attack would come because that is natural."
When Jane had his first stint with Wellington four years ago he was able to admire, close up, the fullback talents of Christian Cullen, and from afar he has enjoyed the work of Reds and Wallaby fullback Chris Latham.
"Their skills and all-round games are what anyone playing their position would aspire to. All I can do is work hard and have those ambitions."
