What they said about rugby great Collins

What people have had to say about former All Black hardman Jerry Collins at his memorial service.

HOW JERRY COLLINS WAS REMEMBERED AT HIS MEMORIAL SERVICE:

* "He changed lives in New Zealand and in Samoa and he had an impact on people's lives in countries and communities far away. He had the character and the personality to change, to uplift, to reshape the life of others and history shows he did so." - manager Tim Castle

* "He made time for people. He respected everyone. Jerry never forgot where he came from and believe me, we never forgot either. We never missed a chance to tell anyone: 'Jerry Collins? He's a Porirua boy'." - Porirua Mayor Nick Leggett

* "Jerry loved the game - it's what he did. He didn't pick it - it picked him." - Ex-All Blacks captain, and Collins' cousin, Tana Umaga

* "I don't think I ever really knew Jerry. He was one of the most complex and unique guys I've ever met." - Hurricanes captain Conrad Smith

* "He typified having heart and standing up for what you believe in but also having everybody's back." - All Black great Jonah Lomu

* "Your impact was massive for the All Blacks - you added to the legacy." - All Blacks manager Darren Shand

* "It was like the air being sucked out of a lilo." - A St Patrick's College 1st XV teammate on the sound of a Collins tackle

* "He's one of the guys that built the identity of the team and the club." - Smith.


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Source: AAP


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