Another ACL injury gives Jacob Loko time to reignite old passion
Date
December 8, 2013
Adrian Proszenko
Chief Rugby League Reporter
Given the number of injuries he has already suffered, Jacob Loko's NRL career is a blank canvas.
But the same can't be said off the field as the Parramatta youngster showcases some of his other talents.
Sick of seeing her son mope about the house after yet another ACL injury, mother Joanna bought him a sketchbook. The drawings it now contains suggest there could be a career as an artist when he eventually finishes with the football.
The Parramatta centre has never received specialist tuition or won an art prize, not even at high school. But a quick look at his portfolio reveals that his works wouldn't be out of place in a gallery. In fact, Eels officials are keen to show them to a wider audience.
''When I was injured I didn't have much to do so my mum bought me a sketchbook,'' Loko said. ''I just started drawing again and it took off from there. I missed it and realised how passionate I was about it. When I was in primary school it was really good - I was drawing on weekends.
''I did art classes but never anything other than that. When I hit high school I was just into footy. I like to draw a bit of everything, lions, people - all sorts of stuff.''
Friends have been asking Loko to design tattoos, with each work taking up to three hours. It's a welcome distraction for the 21-year-old, who has played just 21 NRL games since bursting on to the scene in 2011.
Despite his lengthy absences, he has impressed to the point that he was a member of a recent Blues in Waiting squad. The latest setback, a leg infection, could prevent Loko from making the season start next year. He and Eels officials are not yet able to pinpoint a return date.
''I've had a lot of rehab,'' Loko said. ''It's been awesome the past three weeks - my leg has been going real good. That's just footy for you. I don't know when I can get back.''
Even with his sketchbook, the sabbatical has been frustrating. However, there is nothing like family to put things into perspective.
Loko's 16-year-old sister was recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. ''The family is there for her because she's only young,'' he said. ''Family is first.''
Injury has also prevented him from linking up with his Fijian ''brothers'' during the World Cup. ''I'm half Tongan, half Fijian but I would have been playing for Tonga,'' he said.
''I was real gutted about it but it's been good watching the team. I'm really close to guys like Jorge Taufua and Peni Terepo. We all grew up together, I met them coming up through the ranks and it's been great seeing them play for their country.''
When he does eventually return, the Westfields High School product is keen to make up for lost time.
''I'm real desperate; I want it so bad,'' Loko said.
