Still fondly remembered
and think you’re handling it but you’re not.
‘‘I’m really disappointed of our result that year . . . Sonny deserved a lot more than that. But I think he appreciated how much it was hurting all of us, that showed how much he meant to us.’’
Ten years is a long time in rugby league but Fai would probably still be playing had tragedy not struck. His prospects on the field were as bright as his personality off it.
Warriors under-20s player of the year in 2007 – an award which the club renamed the Sonny Fai Medal – the powerful back-rower made his NRL debut the following season, making 15 appearances before being named in the New Zealand and Samoa training squads for the 2008 World Cup.
Standing 1.92m tall and tipping the scales at 109kg, with the speed of an outside back, he possessed incredible physical gifts which were complemented by a relentless work ethic and willingness to learn.
‘‘He took everything seriously, he always gave it 100 per cent every time he trained and everyone loved training with him,’’ Vatuvei said.
‘‘He was one of the strongest guys in the team and it just showed how talented he was, especially when he made his debut for the Warriors and carved up. Those are the kind of things an ultimate Warrior is and it was just sad we didn’t see more of it.’’
Price added: ‘‘He really did listen. He never took it for granted that he knew everything and he was real genuine. We got to a stage where he actually came to you and asked what you thought or ‘can we do some of this’. He thrived on the information he was getting.’’
Just as important, he was a player others loved to be around.
One of Price’s fondest memories is when Fai, still attending De La Salle College, first travelled to Australia with the NRL squad and roomed with New Zealand league legend Ruben Wiki.
‘‘He absolutely idolised Rubes [Wiki] – he didn’t know whether to call him ‘Sir’ or ‘Mr’, he was so respectful,’’ Price recalled.
‘‘He was almost pinching himself that he was actually rooming with Ruben Wiki. I think he even said he didn’t get any sleep, which is just really cool and that didn’t change. He just brought that real infectious enthusiasm.’’
In what has become a tradition, many of Fai’s old teammates posted a tribute on social media to mark the anniversary. Those still in Auckland may visit Bethells Beach. But he is never far from their thoughts, whatever the day.
‘‘What a blessing he was to have been a part of our lives because he was so touching to everyone in his own way.’’ Steve Price, left, talking about Sonny Fai.