Makos Player Profile - Joe Wheeler
Name: Joe Wheeler
Age: 26
Position: Lock
Club: Harlequins
Makos Caps: 58
At what age and at what position did you first play rugby?
I was 5 and first played first five because I thought I could play like Andrew Merthens but got pushed back to No. 8 because of my height. And maybe my lack of pace?
Who was your biggest influence to become a better rugby player?
My Dad and coach KK
When did you realise you might be any good at the rugby?
I’ve always been and always be a battler and just chip away.
Who has been your biggest influence on life away from the game?
My parents Mark & Cathy and partner Courtney. 1st XV coaches KK and Peter Jones have been great mentors.
Who in the Makos gives you the biggest grief and why?
Tommy Marshall, he doesn’t miss a beat that kid.
Who do you like to give grief to and why?
Q (Quentin MacDonald) has always been fun to tease and the Popsicle Stick (Marty Banks) is an easy target.
Name any player in world rugby who you would most like to be like and why?
Kieran Read & Ben Smith who are white battlers like me, who are unreal footy players and absolute lads.
What is the one thing that people don’t know about you?
I have a Makos logo and my debut number (#60) tattooed on my bum cheek.
