“I left Boys’ High when I was 17. Two weeks later, YMP had a club day out at Manutūkē — at the marae, where I live — so my mates and I jumped on for the Senior 1s against High School Old Boys. I played at halfback for them but as a winger for the prems and I didn’t mind which side, as long as I was on the field and not running the flag or carrying water.
“It’s been great to play alongside Shayde and guys like Willis Tamatea because they’re men I look up to, head-down, get-the-job-done types, and there’s not much they wouldn’t do for the boys on and off the field.”
Equally effective as a starter or fizzing off the bench, Wyllie — an apprentice builder with Alfa 1 Construction — is noted for his physicality: as when substituting for Isaiah Leach and Seth Lundon.
YMP head coach Kahu Tamatea has great respect for Wyllie.
“Starting or off the bench, he’s an asset, an electric flanker who can cover lock if called upon and who just wants to be on the pitch,” Tamatea said.
“With his no-nonsense attitude, the rest of the boys feed off that energy. Shyann’s not big but he’s tough — we’ve seen him chop guys more than twice his size in half plenty of times. His family has helped lay the foundations for YMP for many years, and seeing him mature as a player has been great to see.”
Wyllie’s skipper also speaks to his growth in the side.
“He’s come a long way since he joined us. He shows leadership qualities and helps the newbies in our team. He’s kept his mongrel but tidied his discipline up: that’s what’s impresses me the most,” Skudder said.
“I’m proud of what he’s become, and I can’t wait to run out with him in his milestone game.”
