KEY POINTS:
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Last weekend I had the real thrill of attending Olsen Filipaina's 50th birthday bash with a number of friends and team-mates from the 1985 Kiwis team.
As all knowledgeable rugby league people would attest, Olsen is one of
New Zealand's great former players; the man who singlehandedly destroyed Wally Lewis in three tests that year. He is also fondly remembered as the man with the contagious smile who struggled to hold a first-grade spot in the then Winfield Cup.
Accused of only playing well when a Kiwis jersey was on his back, it was suggested that his coaches make him wear one under his club jersey.
But, honestly, Olsen enjoyed the stress-free environment the Kiwi team provided leading up to games, especially test matches. The bond that the team formed over the previous three years saw them come within a whisker of beating Australia - who had not been beaten in a series since the early 1950s and still haven't been.
Olsen, along with all members of that team, have been extremely close ever since and it is a great occasion when we make acquaintances again. Gary Prohm, Howie Tamati, Clayton Friend, James Leuluai, Gary Kemble, Owen Wright, Ricky Cowan and I were present. Unfortunately Kevin Tamati was unable to attend along with Mark Graham, Kurt & Dane Sorensen (Australia), Fred Ah Kuoi (USA), Dean Bell (UK) due to distance, but Shane Cooper, Mark Bourneville, Wayne Wallace and Glen Gibb, who all toured later in the year to the UK, were there to be with Olsen on his big night, proving we are still a close-knit band of brothers 22 years after playing together.
It's a relationship built on respect, a desire to play and die for each other which formed a love that we all feel each time we meet.
This bond carried us through many games when times were tough or when one of us was down on confidence or form. The team unity gave self-assurance to those who needed it as well as a sense of security from media and fans who were baying for blood. That brotherhood still provides a screen whenever we assemble for an occasion. We can be who we want to be, say what we want to say and do what we want to do and know it will be kept among ourselves. It can also provide the assistance needed to overcome problems.
The great teams know this feeling but how often are there great teams? They normally span an era or period of time when a team is strong and consistently performing at high levels. I'm sure Manu Vatuvei would have been looking for a security blanket last Monday evening during his confidence-sapping display against Parramatta.
Has this Warriors team got what is required to assist him or the next player when he struggles? If they build that bond, they will not be divided; it will establish that same, strong culture - which will in turn win a title.
