Born in Moto'otua near Apia in Samoa, Jacob Laban moved to Wellington at the age of four, where he began his rugby league journey with the Randwick Kingfishers.

After relocating to Auckland in his final year of high school, the second-rower signed with the New Zealand Warriors and progressed through the club’s pathways system, becoming a mainstay of their NSW Cup side from 2023 to 2024.

He represented the Kiwis A team in 2023 who defeated Tonga A in a one-off invitational, before making his NRL debut the following year and finishing the season with seven top-side appearances. In 2025 Laban continued to establish himself in the NRL side, making 12 appearances before a leg injury brought his season to an early end.

He returned in 2026 to enjoy a breakout season, cementing his place in the team and competition. Scoring eight tries and averaging 29 tackles and 79 run metres per game, his impressive performances earned him selection in the Kiwis squad as he eyes a debut at the upcoming Rugby League World Cup.