Jonah in his Prime years (Mid 1990s) was a Freak for the era...No doubt about it, @ that Time NO-ONE had his Speed combined with Explosive power, Strength, Height, agility etc etc, we had the Security Contract for the THEN super 12 Rugby competition, so i got too see him up close several times on the field, he was the freak of freaks back then you had anywhere from 2-4 guys @ the same time trying too drag him too the ground and he was STILL bucking like hell too go forward
what i recall about him most though was simply this...after each game (Back then) the fans would run onto the pitch...to get up close on personal shake hands with there Idols, autographs etc, we of course had too make sure they were kept safe from all the Ass-holes who would try something else, 1 game in Particular in Taranaki (N.Z) i recall the match had finished everyone (the players) started running off the field too hit the showers etc signing the odd autograph along the way, Jonah just stood there while he was Mobbed for autographs...i kid you not 1 hour later he was STILL standing there signing autographs in the middle of the field everyone of his team mates were dressed and calling out too him they had too go with the team bus idling in the car-park...He just waved them off and said he would catch them up later...and went on signing, we dropped him off later the afternoon @ there Hotel, while in the van i asked him why did he stay around for so long afterwards..
He just said in a serious tone...i recall when i was a Kid...looking up too my idols back in the day like John Kirwin and Tugilamala...i would hope and pray like hell they would sign my piece of paper after a match...and they did...i made myself a promise i would NEVER every want too leave a little kid hoping he could get a Hand shaken...a Autograph signed and just walk away i will never do that too a Little kid... thats want i recall most about the Man, in NZ Rugby circles he was the Man...and IMO he still is too this day.
