Meet Shannon Frizell

Shannon is a young man from Tonga who came to play club rugby for Marist and try and break into the Makos. His club form earned him that selection for 2016 and he has made every post a winner, appearing in all matches played to date.

Congratulations on becoming Tasman Mako # 144. You come to us from Tonga and the Marist club. Tell us about your background and what brought you to Tasman.

I went to a Catholic school in Tonga on the main island – Tongatapu. I came to Nelson to play for the Marist club, signing a development contract with the Tasman RU last year. I represented New Zealand Marist Colts, played one preseason game for the Makos and for the Tasman sevens team and was then offered a 2015 Makos contract.

What you want to achieve in this Makos campaign?

Win the competition!

At what age, where and at what position did you first play rugby?

I started playing as a lock and number 8 at 17 years of age for the Apifo’ou Catholic College.

Who have been your biggest influences to become a better rugby player, and as a person?

My grandparents have been the biggest influence on my life as they raised me and supported me to play rugby. Also a big influence in rugby was my College coach, Father Felipe.

The Makos environment has always been welcoming. Who have you buddied up with in the squad?

Suia Halanukonuka and Tevita Koloamatangi, my Tongan brothers, are always helping me to improve my English, especially Suia! I’m getting better than him.

Name any player in world rugby who you would most like to be like and why?

I’d like to play like Jerome Kaino and be like Shane Christie. I enjoy playing with Shane as he welcomed me into the team, and he’s funny off the field.

What is the one thing that people don’t know about you?

I love music but I can’t sing.