First, he suddenly became a key man for the Highlanders after his back-up first five-eighth role became a starting one when Colin Slade broke his jaw.
And tomorrow the youngest player in the squad will bring up his 20th birthday, not that any major celebrations are planned.
He may be the new boy but knows a lot of responsibility had been thrust on to his young shoulders.
"It threw me a little bit to be honest. He [Slade] has been really good to me, showing me lots of things, helping me out in plenty of ways," he said.
"But it is an opportunity for me. A small window where I can put my hand up and have a chance."
He said the first pre-season game last Saturday against the Blues in Balclutha gave a good indication of what is expected at Super 15.
"It was a different level than what I'm used to. Just showed you what to expect.
"I really enjoyed the experience and the way the ball moved faster and the hits were a bit bigger."
Sopoaga hails from Wellington where he was born and bred although he did spend a year in Dunedin when he was about 5 while his mother, Varisty Piho, who is from Dunedin, worked in the city.
"It is a nice place though it could be a bit warmer. Blows a bit too, reminds me of Wellington."
However, you get the sense Sopoaga would move anywhere to experience playing sport fulltime.
Sopoaga is not slow in admitting he is loving the professional rugby lifestyle.
Last year, the first year out of school at Wellington College, where he had played for New Zealand Schools, he had a job as a car groomer and also working for Fuji-Xerox, making up university papers on a night shift.
"I'd rather be a rugby player any day. A dream job really. It's like being a kid in a candy store.
"Everyone has been really helpful, and there are experienced guys round who give me plenty of advice."
Flatting with Wellington team-mate and second five-eighth Shaun Treeby, Sopoaga said in his first year away from home he was taking a while to learn the ways of the kitchen.
He is the oldest of six children.
Younger brother Tupou was a flanker in the New Zealand Schools side last year which played in Dunedin.
He has since moved to Sydney and is training with the Bulldogs under-20 side.
But for the oldest Sopoaga, rugby and playing for the Highlanders is his gig.
"When Jamie asked me to come down I just jumped at the chance. There is nothing better really."
