Deemed "surplus to requirements" at St George Illawarra, Jacob Host has relished the backing of his South Sydney coaches and put his second life as an online gamer on hold ahead of Sunday's final.
The bench forward played five seasons at the Dragons but never more than 17 games in one campaign.
With his career at a crossroads, a call from former reserve grade coach Jason Demetriou - the Rabbitohs' assistant set to take over from Wayne Bennett next season - was accepted with glee.
"I was told that I was surplus to requirements and had won a comp with JD (the NSW Cup with the Illawarra Cutters)," Host, who has enjoyed 18 wins from a career-high 20 appearances this season, told AAP.
"It made sense and I've been given a good opportunity this year and tried to take it with both hands. It's been a humbling journey to get to this point."
Demetriou has split his time between the present and future this season, involved with recruiting the likes of Host as the rookie head coach looks to keep the club's footing once Bennett departs.
"I coached him at Dragons and for me it's about getting good people that I trust on and off the field," Demetriou told AAP.
"It's evident, the point we're at now, that you need players at the club that invest in the club and that you can trust to do their job and as people.
"That's Jacob and he's underrated for what he brings to this footy team."
During last year's lockdown, the avid gamer started streaming on Twitch to an audience that now includes almost 3,000 subscribers.
"Josh Mansour upset me in the final of our team's FIFA tournament a few months ago, but it's something I've enjoyed having a crack at," Host said.
"I've built up a good community which has been fun and they've sent lots of messages of support.
"I've been trying to focus on a big final so it's been tough to stream lately, but they're excited for me to come back on."
