Rugby: Collins' death 'numbing'

Former Hurricanes No8 Jerry Collins, pictured with teammate David Holwell, takes on the Sharks defence during a Super 12 match in 2002. Photo / File

For former Northland, Wellington and Hurricanes first five David Holwell, his old playing pal Jerry Collins was "probably one of the hardest men" he ever played with.

Therefore it's no surprise that learning of Collins' recent death - and that of Collins' partner Alana Madill - is one of the hardest things Holwell has had to tackle in a fair while.

"It was a very numb feeling to be honest, having played alongside him," Holwell said when he heard the news Collins had passed away.

Born in Apia, Samoa, in November 1980, Jerry "The Terminator" Collins played for the Norths club in Wellington before making his provincial debut for Wellington in 1999, his Super Rugby debut with the Hurricanes in 2001 and his All Blacks debut later that year.

Playing alongside the 48-test cap All Black in numerous appearances for Wellington and the Hurricanes Super Rugby team, Holwell said the bustling No8 was often transfixed by the limelight and instead opted to stay under the radar.

"With JC, he didn't like the fame. He was just a Polynesian boy from Porirua - he was just JC," Holwell said.

"[He was a] good man that didn't like the spotlight and just wanted to play rugby the only way he knew: hard-out."

Humble at heart, Holwell said Collins was never one to turn down an opportunity to give back and always offered to appear at community fundraising events, no matter how little they were.

Known as one of the hard men of recent eras on the field, Holwell said the presence of the 1.90m tall, 109kg Collins was felt off the footy pitch as much as on it.

"He wanted to be one of the boys," Holwell said.

"When me and Spicey [halfback Jason Spice] organised end-of-year get-togethers, JC was the first one there and the last to leave."

Despite his love of a good time, Holwell recalled Collins "always fronted up no matter what state he was in".

"He was a joy to play with - he was the type of guy that just wanted to play. He gave it 100 per cent, it didn't matter who he was playing with.

"I came up against him in club rugby [and] we always kept an eye out for him and tried to keep the ball away from him. [He was a] hell of a man to play against."