Anthem to bring back memories for Wilkie
Mrs Wilkie instilled a strong work ethic in her children and supported her son’s rugby league endeavours.
“She was always at the canteen, on the gate or behind the bar,” Wilkie said.
“She was pretty hands-on with her time. She never had enemies. I was only at Herbert River for five years after I finished up (playing in the NRL).
“To be honest, she probably had a bigger impact on the club than I did.”
The Cairns Post can exclusively reveal Wilkie will be joined in the Italian World Cup squad by fellow Northern Pride players Ryan Ghietti, Justin Castellaro and Joel Riethmuller.
Italy team manager Reno Santaguida said the Pride players bring a high level of experience and professionalism to the group.
“I’ve had the pleasure of managing those boys for many years,” Santaguida said.
“They’ve been a part of our program for a long time, particularly Joel and Ryan going back to the World Cup in 2013.
“The pride they show every time the wear the Azzurri is outstanding. They’re quality players and quality people who will never let you down.”
For Wilkie, who returned to state level rugby league after almost a decade away in 2016, the chance to play alongside Pride teammates and NRL stars such as James Tedesco and Nathan Brown is a dream come true.
“I’m just so stoked mate,” he said. “It’s been a long couple of years. I had it in the back of my mind a couple of years ago when I first came back this could happen and now it’s real.”
Italy play Ireland on Sunday, October 29 at Barlow Park in Cairns.
It will be followed by the Scotland versus Tonga match.
In a surprise move, NRL stars Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita will line-up for the Polynesian nation.