Sonny Days

[Iafeta]

That podcast is so painfully sad. The fallout from his tragedy on so many people is huge and life defining. God bless his soul.

 

[One Warrior]

Very moving article.

 

[Iafeta]

I still remember where I was when I heard the news. My wife called me, I was a sales rep at the time, and I was about to go into a call in Granville Sydney. Which is a suburb also filled with immense tragedy. I remember feeling completely numb about it. When I went into the appointment I just wasn't really there. Like I did the call, but mentally I felt absent.

I remember it was a really hot day that day. I was in a great mood that day. And then just drained. It's easily the lowest point for me as a Warriors fan, nothing else in sport has hit me as hard as Sonnys loss.

I remember seeing Pricey speak on the news. And feeling his absolute heartbreak. That guy is an absolute champion for how he handled the media that day. And Ruben Wiki, absolute champion cutting short his holiday to try to find him.

 

[Penrose Warrior]

Great post Iafeta.

I too remember where I was, driving through the local streets and heard it on the radio. It's that clear that I remember I was at a T junction and froze.

I was in the media at the time, I'd interviewed Sonny before. He was a great person. I was supposed to go to the media call with Pricey but I just couldn't do it - I didn't feel right to be the one asking questions to a heart-broken guy when he wanted to be helping or grieving with his teammates. I was out of the media a year later, it taught me I couldn't handle that side of things. He did an incredible job, Pricey.

 

[Meth]

10 years

 

[Rich102]

Still seems very fresh.
Didn't he have a younger brother playing League? What happened to him?

 

[One Warrior]

Sonny Fai, always remembered, never forgotten.

 

[Iafeta]

10 years. And still every year it upsets me.

A true Warrior.

Rest In Peace Sonny.

 

[Iafeta]

Still seems very fresh.
Didn't he have a younger brother playing League? What happened to him?

Yes he did. Iirc he was scarred by it all. I think iirc they talk about him on the podcast and how he didn’t have the spirit after that.

 

[MKEB...]

I still have my wrist-band.
10 years ago...wow. I still remember finding this out, and phoning the wife in shock.

 

[Meth]

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12185566

great little read

 

[Meth]

From the article-

"The next group that comes along will learn about Fai. They may marvel at his bench press exploits, but the connection will not be as strong - it can't be.

But the family will ensure that, in spirit and name at least, he lives on.

Remember back to the lounge in Viola Ave. To Lesi. To his son, the boy who lit up the room with his ready smile and playfulness.

The boy whose very existence owes everything to the man who saved his father.

He has a short name that says an awful lot.

His name is Sonny Fai."

 

[Leigh Howlett]

Wow 10 years ago, I remember passing on my condolences to the club at the time, can't believe that a decade has passed since, absolute tragedy and what a great action shot, one Sonny beating another Sonny.

 

[ozbash]

Man, it comes around quick..

 

[Iron Lion]

God bless you Sonny. You define being a Warrior.

There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends.