Jake Mascini with Kangaroos captain-coach Nathan Rose. Photo: Kangaroos RLFC/Facebook.
An elusive speed machine, Jake ‘Chook’ Mascini plays well above his weight and is a dynamic member of the Wagga Kangaroos backline.
A talented junior who tried several footy codes, Chook played AFL in his late teens and was instrumental in the Wagga Tigers’ Riverina League premiership win in 2019.
He switched back to rugby league to join the Kangaroos in 2020 following in the footsteps of his old man, Wagga Kangaroos legend Chas Mascini, and has not looked back!
Where are you from and where did you first start playing footy?
Born in Gosford, Central Coast but moved to Wagga where I’ve lived ever since. I started off playing soccer at the age of five and it wasn’t until under 9s when I played my first game of rugby league for the Wagga Kangaroos.
Best footy memory?
This is probably a tie between winning a premiership with Wagga Tigers [AFL] and winning right through juniors at Kangaroos. I was lucky enough to play in a good side and to be coached by my dad [Wagga Kangaroos Senior Vice President Chas Mascini].
Jake Mascini in his junior days with his father Chas. Photo: Supplied.
Favourite player as a kid and why?
Anthony Minichiello was my favourite player growing up, having been a Roosters supporter and watching him score long-range tries.
Favourite childhood meal you can remember?
Roast chicken or lamb or any type of pasta dish as long as it doesn’t have onion in it!
Favourite ground to play on and why?
Probably at Equex (McDonalds Park) or any other dry track. I’m not really a fan of getting too dirty.
Why should young kids take up rugby league?
To make new friends and learn how to work as a team. A lot of my good memories have come from playing rugby league at a young age and up until now.
Jake Mascini looks for the offload against Junee. Photo: Kangaroos RLFC/Facebook.
Do you have a celebrity lookalike?
I’ve been told I look like George MacKay from the movie 1917. It might be his lack of eyebrows.
What annoys you?
When my housemate (Jack McPherson) doesn’t change the toilet roll over. Or when he leaves the pegs on the washing line. He also steals food from the fridge that I pay for. (*Region has not independently corroborated evidence of these alleged household crimes.)
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
I don’t really have any phrases or life lessons that come to mind, but I’ll usually take advice from those I look up to. I’ll try to be giving and not expect anything in return. I think that’s a good way to be.
On a car trip from the region to Sydney who would you not want in the passenger seat?
Any of my sisters – always whinging and taking up too much room. Even my brother Isaac talks way too much rubbish.
Any person (dead or alive) you would want in the passenger seat?
Probably Adam Sandler or Denzel Washington. I could binge-watch their movies all day and I think they’d make for great company.
Down to your last $20 – what would you spend it on?
I’d spend it on a fast racehorse with the potential to make more.
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