Lee Stensness: Time Lomu was recognised as an exceptional man

As Jonah Lomu relaunches his comeback for North Harbour from the bench this afternoon, it is an opportune time to pay homage to the player and the man.

Throughout his glittering career, my perception is that media and public comment in New Zealand - but certainly not overseas - was disproportionately about what Jonah could not do rather than the incredible things he could.

Sure, Jonah had his weaknesses, as do all players, but it seemed that people's assessment of his abilities were more critical than that given to players of comparable stature in the game and style of play such as Inga Tuigamala and John Kirwan, or indeed any player.

Perhaps it was because Lomu came along as rugby was turning professional and he was the tallest poppy earning the most money. This came at a time when there was public resentment of those being well paid for playing the same game past All Blacks had played for love.

I'm not saying Jonah didn't deserve criticism - all players do at times - but having played with and against him, you knew any weaknesses were far, far outweighed by his strengths. It is difficult to recall a game where Lomu may have cost the All Blacks a test. However, it is easy to recall games where he was a decisive factor in their victories.

Just as Lomu's contribution as a player on the field has been under-appreciated, so has his contribution to rugby's image off it. As rugby's first and only global superstar, Jonah has always maintained a quiet dignity and humility that speak volumes of his qualities as a person.

These down-to-earth qualities have been demonstrated throughout his career, such as the way he stayed on the field to congratulate the victorious French team after the 1999 World Cup semifinal while most of the All Black team slunk off in disappointment. His continued work - publicised and unpublicised - with charities and his contribution in terms of mentoring and support for North Harbour last season, even when it was clear he would not be able to play, are other examples.

Lomu's deeds on and off the field mark him as a person to be admired and respected.

Couple this with his battle with and recovery from a life-threatening kidney condition and it is clear he is a truly exceptional person.

He is an inspiration to all and hopefully he will be appreciated as such.