CAIUS FAATILI made a significant impression in his first year at Wakefield Trinity, but he’s warned rival packs he was just getting warmed up.
The New Zealand-born prop made 28 appearances in his first professional season – 13 as a starter and 15 from the bench – and he became a fan favourite for his destructive carries, signature mullet and habit of finding the tryline (eight times in total).
That’s despite only signing from Sunshine Coast Falcons at the end of January, on a one-year deal that was soon extended by another three.
His debut, in the Challenge Cup third round against Goole Vikings, came in the week of his arrival, while his partner and young daughter only arrived six weeks later.
The move was a big one on and off the field and Faatili admitted: “I didn’t know what to expect, but it’s probably the best decision I’ve ever made in terms of both football and life.
“I’ve got a little family so coming over here with limited support has been a challenge.
“The footy came naturally, it was a good environment to come straight into.
“I got thrown in at the deep end straight away, which I was happy for. That’s why I came over, to play and get a jersey.
“I probably was a bit underdone at the start of the year. I got chucked in round one against Leeds at Headingley, it felt like negative degrees, and I probably sank more than swam.
“It took me a while to find my feet but when I finally did it was alright. I think with this platform of pre-season I’ll hopefully be a lot better.”
Wakefield supporters may say he did better than “alright” considering the 24-year-old’s talents had only previously been displayed in the Queensland Cup.
“It was my first time in a full-time system. I’ve been there or thereabouts in NRL systems and had a few pre-seasons but never taken the extra step,” he explained.
“For Wakey to see something in me and give me a shot, it’s all I was waiting for, an opportunity. I felt I had to take it with two hands.”