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.
Good Game
Guest
Well said
dsat24
Oliver you strike a chord with me with the Wellington footy scene and how JC filled the public conscience during and after his playing days. It's not unreasonable to suggest Buck started the charges up field Jerry then took the batton.
Harry Jones
Expert
Thank you, Oliver.
The Saint
Roar Guru
Nicely written Oliver. Jerry will be missed...
Digby
Roar Guru
Wonderful tribute Oliver, well done.
Chivas
Guest
Jerry could always be relied upon to take the garbage out :-)
Tigranes
Guest
Good news to hear that his little girl is ok and will be raised by her relatives in Canada...down the track in 50 years, Canadian rugby may well benefit. I remember that Jerry still worked for Wellington Council as a garbage man despite playing pro rugby - truly a man who was well grounded.
Steve Williams
Guest
I'm a 54 year old American who used to play rugby and I can honestly say Jerry Collins was my hero. I played rugby for 17 years and for all those years of play, and even till this day, I have always admired and followed the All Blacks. I have admired and studied many men that have worn the black jersey. From Pine Tree to the Brooke's brothers, from Tana, Sean to Richie. All great men...on and off the field. But for some reason, for me, it has always been Jerry Collins that optimized the All Blacks ethos. For me, that combination of "hardness" on the pitch and "softness" "joy" "giving" and "peace" off the field optimized the All Black men many of us admire. And the gaffs and indiscretions captured the humanness of the man that sometimes falls short that we could all relate to. What we lost with Jerry's early departure is the living example of greatness, what remains is the ideal, legacy and legend of what a modern all Black warrior is...and will be for a long time to come. I miss you Hit Man!
Tim Reynolds
Roar Pro
Since 1936 St Pats College, Wellington has produced two All Blacks. The first of these was Brian Finlay, who played about 10 minutes of the First Test against the 1959 Lions then went off injured - and that was his All Black career. The second was Jerry Collins. Jerry went off injured in his first Test, and I thought the curse of St Pats had struck again. But Jerry came back, and in his dynamic career he made up for virtually 70 years of the school not being represented at the highest level. When you see prima donnas on the tennis court or the soccer pitch, getting paid millions and performing like spoilt brats, and you remember Jerry performing at the top of rugby while he ran with the rubbish trucks, you can see his greatness.
wardad
Guest
At the very least Jerries wee bubs is better. Jerry strikes me as a bloke who would not hesitate to trade his life for his girls ,or anyone elses child for that matter . He was that kind of a man it seems.
mania
Guest
awesome letter oliver. the NRL voted Jerry as the person they least wanted to get hit by. thats a whole nother code that knew of him to me jerry may not have been the most athletic 6 out there but he was the most influencial. teams woiuld come up withplays to get the ball carrier away from Jerry. nobody messed with the canes or ABs when Jerry was on the field. the complete gentleman enforcer
UncleRon
Guest
Moving, heartfelt tribute to a fine man and a great player. Well done Oliver.