Huddersfield prop Shannon Wakeman is hoping to make his first World Cup this year. And the Australian is gunning to make his tournament debut with European side Italy.
Big Beared forward Wakeman, who was born and raised in Australia, qualifies for the Azzurri on heritage grounds. His parental grandparents hail from Milan and Rome. The front-rower, a product of NSW’s Illawarra region, made his debut for Italy last year and helped them qualify for the 2017 World Cup with a 76-0 win over Russia at the Leigh Sports Village.
“I knew my grandparents on my dad’s side were both born in Italy, I found that I was eligible to play for Italy,” he said.
“I enjoyed it, it was a good experience for me personally.
Wakeman, who is in his first season of Super League after impressing in the NSW Cup, is hopeful of turning out for the Azzurri again at the World Cup. The team will be coached by former NRL player and Italian international Cameron Ciraldo, who is an assistant coach with the Penrith Panthers.
“I’ve had lots of friends and family already tell me they’ll come to games and watch if I get in. It would be a good experience. It’s something I’m looking forward it, if I get picked. I’d love it. I just wanted to represent my grandparents and make them proud. It would be good to head back to Australia for a little bit [too].”
Italy impressed at the last World Cup, knocking off England in a friendly before the tournament and then defeating Wales in the competition and drawing with Scotland. The Azzurri will be without retired fullback Anthony Minichielle but are expected to be able to call on the likes of Mark Minichiello and NRL stars James Tedesco, Aiden Guerra and Paul Vaughan. Ex-Hull KR and Canberra playmaker Terry Campese is also likely to available. At the World Cup Italy will face Ireland in Cairns, the United States in Townsville and Fiji in Canberra.
Wakeman said he has yet to hear from Ciraldo on whether he is in the coach’s plans. But if included with Vaughan, Guerra and Minichiello, Italy will have a formidable forward pack.
“I’ll get in contact with some people soon and find out a bit more and see where things are at. Hopefully I’ll be up for selection if it all goes well. There’s some big names in there in the squad and it would be good for me to be in there.”
Wakeman joined Huddersfield from the Illawarra Cutters, the feeder side for NRL club the St George Illawarra Dragons at the start of this year, and has made 21 appearances so far. The 27-year old has adjusted to the demands of full-time rugby league, stepping up from the semi-professional level. He is ranked third at the Giants in tackles made, fourth for carries and fourth for metres, with Huddersfield climbing the table in recent weeks.
Wakeman said he is enjoying his time in Super League.
“It was a slow start for me but we’re going well,” he said.
“I feel like I’m at a good level for it. It was a big change from back home. The weather at the start was really cold but it's warmer now, which makes it easier to play and makes you enjoy your time over here a bit more.
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“Playing first-grade something I’ve always strived for, I just wasn’t given an opportunity back home. I came over here and I’ve been given a good opportunity and I’m starting to find some good form. Being able to show what I can do, and do it weekly, I’m happy with that.”
