TEARS FOR MUM Memory of beloved matriarch to lift Northern Pride veteran to new heights
REDS WIN BASEBALL FINALS
RUGBY LEAGUE NORTHERN Pride star Colin Wilkie isn’t afraid to admit the tears will flow the first time he hears the Italian national anthem played at this month’s Rugby League World Cup.
Wilkie (pictured right) openly wept before his first test match for the Azzurri last year as his thoughts turned to his late mother, Martha, who died of cancer in 2013, aged just 55.
After officially being named in the World Cup squad today, Wilkie said hearing the news from coach Cameron Ciraldo brought back the same emotions he felt last year on the eve of his Italian debut.
“I was surprised how worked up I got, mate. I didn’t expect it,” Wilkie said.
“I was quite emotional. It’s pretty special, especially now that Mum is not around anymore. I spoke to my dad during the week. Not much fazes the old fella ... but I think he’s pretty proud too.”
Martha Wilkie, nee Raciti, was the daughter of Sicilian immigrants who moved to Far North Queensland in search of a better life.
The family matriarch ran a taxi business in Tully before working at the post office.
“She was the glue to the family, a really special lady. Herbert River and Tully rugby league clubs have awards named in her honour, which is amazing,” her son said.
“Being such a small community, everyone knew her. What would be an hour job would always take her six because everyone would end up talking to her.
“You’d never go to the supermarket with her (for that reason).” CONTINUED PAGE 38
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