The teacher in Mr Rhys Jacks will tell you all about the value of learning inside and outside of the classroom.
And the footballer in Jacks knows the same applies to rugby league. Over the course of 150 Hostplus Cup games, Jacks has brought and learnt a lot of lessons, both on and off the field.
Jacks' first day in the Cup classroom was on April 4, 2010, when he was on debut for the Ipswich Jets against the Burleigh Bears in a 34-14 loss.
Now this Sunday, he will run out against the Mackay Cutters at North Ipswich Reserve with 149 games in the rear-view mirror.
Along the way he has gone from the fresh-faced preppie halfback to the wise senior hooker.
Jacks will be the 81st player to play 150 games in Cup. He has learnt a lot over his time in Cup and wouldn’t mind a chat with that young halfback in 2010.
“I think I would tell him to work hard, that you have to do things away from training on your own,” Jacks said of his younger self.
"On natural ability alone, I play a lot less Hostplus Cup, but with hard work I have been able to play a lot more football.
“I have always enjoyed that aspect of Hostplus Cup and it’s what I always wanted to do - work hard and play Cup, that was my goal.”
When it comes to highlights, Jacks' face lights up for that first day.
“My debut... all I wanted to do growing up was play Cup. We were such a Cup family, watching it on the ABC and going to games," Jacks said.
“I remember when Lazo (former coach Glenn Lazarus) told me I was going to play. I rang my mum and dad and my girlfriend - who is now my wife - and I was so excited.
“Playing four games at the Sunshine Coast with (brother) Ryley too, that was a real highlight.”
Jacks has played 72 games for Ipswich, 54 for Souths Logan, 17 for the Sunshine Coast and seven for Brisbane Tigers.
Along the way he’s come across all the different types of players that make up the rugby league landscape.
From Eric Alefosio to Bradley Zampech, Jacks has played with 571 players.
Some of them have helped shape his career. But the most influential have been those at home.
“Don Baker is my pop and I have his Souths Magpies premiership jumper at home from 1953. It would have been special to play with him,” Jacks said when picking his all-time 1-18.
When Jacks reflects on his 150 games, the name that still stands as his toughest opponent is former Tiger, Mackay Cutter and now-Cowboy, Scott Drinkwater.
“He was the most dangerous player I have played against,” Jacks said.
“Drinkwater came back to the Cutters in 2022 and he was just a sensation against Ipswich.
“He’s just so dangerous and if I never saw him again on a Cup team sheet against me, I would be happy.
“Love watching him play and playing with him at the Tigers.”
Drinkwater himself still remembers Jacks' contribution well.
“Rhys was one of the most selfless guys I’ve played or trained with,” Drinkwater said.
“Would do anything asked of him without hesitation or complaints.
“It was always team-first for Rhys and those players are very valuable to a squad and sometimes don’t get the credit they deserve.
“His footy was always very crafty and he’s extremely fit and looks after his body very professionally.
“There’s no fluke in reaching 150 games in Hostplus Cup games. It's a massive achievement and good luck to him in the big game.”
Rhys Jacks' all-time team list
1. Jordan Rapana
2. Don Baker
3. Keenan Yorston
4. Dave Faamita
5. Ramon Fillipine
6. Gerome Burns
7. Ryley Jacks
8. Fui Fui Moi Moi
9. Travis Waddell
10. Nat Neale
11. Tyler Coburn
12. Danny Coburn
13. Phil Dennis
14. Joel Holdsworth
15. AJ Edwards
16. Steve Thorpe
17. Tyson Lofipo
18. Luke Page
