Olsen Filipaina Dies

[Mr 95%]

The great Olsen Filipaina dies at just 64 from kidney failure and lupus. He played centre and five-eighth for North Sydney, Balmain and Easts along with representing the Kiwis on 28 occasions at Test level. He was picked twice from reserve grade to represent the kiwis. He grew another 10 foot tall when playing international footy, especially against the Aussies especially when playing immortal Wally Lewis. He was from the old school working (actually with Beetson) as a garbo.

 

[B-Train]

RIP Olsen. It's been a tough few months in the Rugby League community with so many greats and fan favourites from years last passing away or having health problems...

As you said, Olsen went to another level when playing for the Kiwis.

 

[Ripley]

I loved him.

Might say why, he never really lit up 1st grade consistently, only when he was playing for NZ - but that’s why.

He was asked once about that and said (paraphrasing) When I played for Norths (or whatever club it was) I was playing for money, when I played for NZ I was playing for my people.

Just heard Graham Lowe on 2sm saying “Whatever I asked of him he did”. Lowe broke down in tears more than once talking about him.

The only player ever to make Wally Lewis look the fool at international level, and Wally says that.

The Polynesian invasion of RL started with Olsen. He more than any of them inspired the flood.

Run over them big fella.

 

[Ripley]

Jack Gibson when he went to Cronulla was desperate to get his hands on Olsen. I remember the story at the time in RLW or similar how he believed he could get Olsen consistent and deliver The Sharks their 1st Premiership. He was the player he wanted to build the team around.

But I guess Olsen wasn’t interested in Premiership glory and all that. He just wanted to smash Australia picked from Norths reserve grade.

 

[Mr 95%]

 

[Rod67]

Heard the "King" Wally Lewis once say he was the hardest man he ever came into contact with. Was like hitting a cement wall.

 

[D0GMATIC]

He was a fearsome looking character when I was a kid. Always fired up against Us in test matches
R.I.P Olsen

 

[Moedogg]

The guy is a trailblazer. Didn't have the pleasure of watching him play but judging from the highlights, he must've been a hero for the kiwis back in the day, anyone who takes it to Wally is a hero.