I know. You read the the title above and probably rolled your eyes thinking, darn, here's another one. Every Samoan around the globe either associates themselves as his cousin, brother, friend, colleague, neighbour, uso you name it. Especially now with so much publicity surrounding his sudden death - he is a rugby great after all.
But this post isn't about that at all.
The tragic car accident that has led to his sudden departure and the devastating conditions surrounding his death, the death of his wife Alana Madill, and their 3 months old daughter fighting for her life in hospital - has shocked the whole world, not just the Samoan communities. It shocked me so much - that I've had to put a hold on my studies for next week's exams to blog about it.
It has shocked the rugby community worldwide.
The shock, coupled with the terrifying aftermath of a child orphaned by such a cruel twist of fate, events, life or whatever you may wish to call it - has left many fans, friends and families heartbroken as witnessed all over social media networks. The tragedy is a strong message to all of us, of just how flimsy this life that we live can be.
You see, I don't really know him.
All that I know about JC is probably just as much as any other fan does about him, which is mostly from reports in the media.
THAT he is a passionate and proud player when he puts on that rugby jersy - that we can all evidently see when he's on the field - you can't miss that with every blowover, hard made tackle or skillful evasive run from his adversaries towards the goal line.
THAT he was a 'wrecking ball' on the field - that is without contest and if you're a rugby fan - we all know that without having to read some blog about it.
THAT he was a 'cheeky All Black' known for spending a penny on the side of the grandstand just before a game in Christchurch 2006 - caught on camera - only Jerry got away with something like that. His friends and community in France say in reports that the mischievious JC has grown up with fatherhood.
THAT he was always down to earth with journalists and known for comments like 'what you see is what you get' attitude - that we know from reports once again.
THAT he asked to be released from his New Zealand rugby contract at the early age of 27 and went offshore to play his rugby - that confused me as a fan and a lot of rugby critics felt it was the wrong call - but he stood by his decision and had stated that it was the right time for him to bow out of NZ rugby and his All Blacks career.
THAT he was humble and had no pretentions about who he was - that I had had the priviledge to witness first hand.
I first met JC back in 2004 when he was at the height of his All Black career. My husband who had just come out of contracted rugby in New Zeland three years prior to that, had left some good imprints and made what would be some helpful associations for himself in later life. JC was in Samoa to visit his family in Leufisa a neigbouring village to Apia (where we lived) and they decided to get together for a night in the town. That's when I first met him.
I was somewhat anxious about the meet. I asked my husband "What do I wear to meet a famous All Black player?" Danny laughed this off, he obviously knew that JC wouldn't care less what one wore to meet him. But hey, don't tell that to a woman.
When we finally met him that night with another of Danny's cousin from Wellington, he was nothing I had imagined him to be.
I had imagined that he would probably be really sophisticated and prefer to dine at an exquisite restaurant and drink beer from a glass in a million dollar suit.
I had actually made the effort of buying an expensive new dress, had my hair done by a hair stylist friend, and brought out fancy jewellry for the occassion. I was not about to go and meet an All Black who knew my husband from his rugby days (where he no doubt had fair share of attention from the ladies) looking like your regular island chic! No way! I am a strong believer of 'first impressions' go a long way.
I was slightly disappointed. Jerry showed up in jandals, an All Black singlet and shorts! YES - SHORTS! His first words after we were introduced - "So where's the best pub in town man?" What he failed to impress in his choice of clothing he made up with his overwhelming presence and damn good humour. We had finger foods and a lot of vailima and a lot of carousing that night.
It was the first time I'd seen a man down a whole large Vailima bottle (Samoan beer) in one straight go! He was afterall in his mid twenties then and very much finely sculpted with lean muscle and strength! He outdrank my husband, and all the other guys who joined in on the drinking game that night - whilst I sat there in the midst of all these men - being boys!
It was quite the scene! What grabbed me was the fact that he did not have any idea of just what a big deal he was at that time, especially in tiny Apia. It did not resonate with him that he was a rugby star. He was just another guy, in a bar, having fun.
That week, we would see him on the streets of Apia, shorts and shirtless, going for his runs in the evenings. On some days he would be walking along the streets with his ie lavalava. He was photographed in the local daily paper at a local school sharing his rugby stories with the children. JC was very much just a man.
He had not only given rugby fans worldwide great rugby memories, he has contributed immensely to the Samoan KIWI DREAM! He is a product of a successful migration into NZ. A migration for a better future, better education, better health care, better lifestyle for our children and generations to come - with a lot of hard work and determination. Born in Samoa, he and his parents migrated into New Zealand at a young age, and he started his rugby in the heart of P Town - Porirua!
You can't get any more fresh than Porirua. But that's where it all began.
He was not just any other Samoan rugby player.
He was living proof that dreams do come true, if you work really hard, give it your 120%, and believe that you can achieve anything you put your mind to, and when you do, you live it down with humility and truth.
That is how so many young boys aspiring to be All Blacks throughout NZ and Samoa will remember him.
Yesterday, it was reported that rugby played at all levels throughout NZ commemorated JC and spent 10 minutes of silence in his honour. Rugby legends throughout the world,have all been sending tributes for JC and his family, including McCaw, Mealama and Umaga.
My sons have been devastated by this heart-breaking terrible news.
It has come as a shock for many young boys not just in NZ but also worldwide, his copper hair, boyish ways and humour has left imprints in the hearts of many young rugby fans.
Even though I met JC and spent one night in his company, I wouldn't say that I knew him. But the young life he lived in the last 34 years has most definitely been what he wanted it to be - 'what you see is what you get.'
We saw and felt great presence, an enormous personality, humility, pride of his country of birth and family, pride of his NZ upbringing and life. We saw a hardworking dedicated man, and lately we saw a man inlove, and a proud father.
That is the JC I know and we all know.
May his sudden passing ever remind us of what the Samoan KIWI DREAM is all about - and that well...life is too short to be anything or anyone else that we are not.
Our sincerest condolences to both families. know that you're not alone in your loss.
Rest in Peace, Love and Warmth Jerry Collins and Alana Madill - and continuous prayers for your dearest daughter Ayla.
Gone too soon - and will never be forgotten.
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