Upon Jerry Collins’ death in a car accident some weeks ago, I realised that there were a number of things that I would never get to say to him.
I decided to pen a letter listing these things, addressed to the great man himself.
Dear Jerry,
Wherever you are right now, I hope you read this. Because for all intents and purposes, you were my childhood, and you will forever hold a very special place in my heart.
You were a childhood hero. I grew up a fan of the Wellington Lions, the Hurricanes and the All Blacks. I watched you every single week. I thought you were the hardest man in sport. And you know what? I still do.
Every Saturday morning I’d go out and play a game of rugby and then I would come home and watch you do the same that night. We would all try to be you. To put a hit on like you did, to play the game the way you could play it.
I have looked up to you my entire life. When I think of my childhood you were a huge part of it. And now you’re gone.
Every time the boys run out onto the park, you’ll be there.
I think it is important to realise that we haven’t just lost an amazing All Black; we’ve lost a great man. A man who after hitting Colin Charvis with perhaps the biggest hit rugby has ever seen, went and shared a beer with him after the match when he was released from hospital.
I honestly don’t know what to say. You gave me so much happiness. You gave all of us happiness. And I know I’ll never get to say these things to you. I’ll never get to tell you anything.
But you are my hero. And that will never change. The hardest man in rugby, with the warmest smile in the world. Jerry Collins.
Rest in peace, Jerry.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan says it’s “purely coincidental” that Semipeni Finau has put on a massive, late hit on a fourth fly-half in nine…
He was born 1905, 1904 or 1908 according to various reports, in Wairoa, Hawkes Bay, and is remembered as one of the great Māori players.
I don’t really get the comparisons between Joey Manu and Sonny Bill Williams. I realise they have the Roosters in common, along with a…
All Blacks star Jordie Barrett has announced a sabbatical to play with Irish club Leinster at year's end, while committing his future to New…
There are those who will forever play the man - and not the ball - where TJ Perenara is concerned. The All Blacks and…
I well remember the day a New Zealand Rugby staffer put their hands on me. It seems I’d made them angry.The Wellington Sevens was…
