Wakefield new boy James Stosic is ready to put down roots in Yorkshire after something of a nomadic career Down Under.
Prop travels to father's birthplace in attempt to earn European passport
Wakefield new boy James Stosic is ready to put down roots in Yorkshire after something of a nomadic career Down Under.
The New Zealand-born prop, who signed a two-year deal with the Wildcats, arrived in the engage Super League from the Gold Coast Titans.
He has also played for Cronulla and Canberra in the NRL, as well as enjoying stints at Australian club sides Newton and Redcliffe.
After moving around so much Stosic is hoping to make an impression with his new employers in the hope of settling down in one place.
Stay
"I've played with a few teams and I've come over here and I would like to stay with one team if I can," he said.
"I've got a two-year contract but I feel I could play another five or six years and I'd like to stay here if possible.
"I'm a typical front rower. I normally get the ball first or second tackle so I'm not going to be throwing silly passes.
"Fans will see 100 percent from me every time. I'm out to prove to people I'm worthy of my position and I'm out to try and keep my starting position all year."
In between training for the new campaign, Stosic has managed to squeeze in time for a visit to the Republic of Macedonia - the birthplace of his father.
The 27-year-old caught up with long-lost relatives during his four-day trip to the capital Skopje as he began the process of obtaining a European passport.
Challenge
"It's been a bit of a challenge," he added. "It's a bit of a hard country to just go in there and say 'I want my passport'.
"My dad was born there so I'm half Macedonian and I'm definitely entitled to it but it's a bit of a long process.
"I've sourced all the stuff that I need. They want every document of your life - documents that you don't even think you've got - but I've got to get it.
"It's the way their country does it so I have to abide by their rules.
"Macedonia is not an EU country but it will still get me off the quota. That helps the club but most of all it helps myself because I'm not taking up a quota position."
