SHANNON Wakeman is a man trying to prove points – on the rugby pitch and the internet.
The Huddersfield prop feels Super League has still not yet seen the best of him as his first season starts to draw to an end.
Just as annoying for him is the reason why he is eyeing a World Cup spot for Italy – and the online error that is driving him round the bend.
Read websites and you would believe his mother was born there. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth.
“It says on Wikipedia that my mum is Italian – that’s news to me as she comes from an Aboriginal background,” Wakeman, 27, told SunSport.
“It’s a grandparent on my father’s side who is Italian. One of my friends sent me a link to the page and it says my mum is Italian. I was like, ‘She’s not Italian!’
“I’d love to play for Italy, so hopefully I get in the squad. I’ve contacted them and told them I’d love to play.
“The last I heard, they had a 40-man squad, so they’re going to have to trim it down and there’s going to be a big competition to get in as some big-name players are looking to put their hand up.
“I’m just waiting for a phonecall from them.”
Wakeman admits he still hopes to one day crack the NRL after falling agonisingly short during his days at St George-Illawarra.
He would do most of the training but did not make the matchday squad, meaning he would play reserve grade while working with challenging children at schools in Sydney.
And just like his career on the field, his ‘day’ job contained the highest highs and out and out frustration.
“I worked with kids with disabilities and behavioural issues,” added Wakeman. “Back in Australia they’re called teacher’s aids and I roamed around between the two.
“Some days were brilliant as the kids responded and I really got a feeling that I’d helped someone, whereas other days I felt, ‘I’ve not really helped anyone there.’
“It was a really challenging job. I did it on and off for six years as I changed between contracts with St George-Illawarra a lot but despite the bad days, I really enjoyed it.
“But I wouldn’t mind another crack at the NRL one day. However, I’m not saying I’m not going to stay here either as I like it in Huddersfield.
“Rugby-wise, I started a bit slowly as I missed pre-season after having surgery but I’ve been building week by week and I’m getting somewhere near to where I want to be.
“I’m feeling more confident now, even though I still feel like I’ve got a bit more to go.
“And off the field, things are going well. One of my friends from back home moved with me and I’ve had a look arund at different areas = York and London are my favourites so far.”
Huddersfield may have had a poor season so far but coach Rick Stone admits two wins from their next three games should see them in the Super 8s, rather than facing a relegation dogfight in the Qualifiers.
Wakeman, who insists he is still getting towards his peak, also believes it is up to them to get the job done, starting with today’s (Fri) clash with second-bottom Widnes.
“It’s very close,” he conceded. “Obviously we’re aiming to win all three games that are left but two wins should be enough.
“And Widnes seem to be finding a bit of form in the last few weeks, so it’s not going to be easy, and in Rangi Chase, they have that x factor. He’s certainly a hard player to mark.”
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