Warriors keep Sonny Fai's spirit alive

Sam Rapira (left) and Aaron Heremaia enjoy a dip in Sydney yesterday. Photo / Brett Phibbs

When the Warriors run on to the field in Sydney tomorrow for the NRL grand final night against Manly, one person they will be thinking about is their teammate, the late Sonny Fai.

And although Fai - who drowned at Bethells Beach in West Auckland just over two years ago - will not physically be with them, the players say he is still with them in spirit.

Fai's locker at Mt Smart Stadium still has his name on it. A photo of him welcomes people into the Warriors' reception room and his name will remain in the club for generations to come, in the Sonny Fai Medal.

A number of players, including forward Ben Matulino, have his initials tattooed on their arms.

Matulino told the Daily Telegraph: "We always take him into the game with us ... he is always there."

Fai's sister, Lalelei, said the family continued to grieve for their son and brother, and acknowledged that this week had been particularly hard for their father, Falelua Sonny snr, and mother, Tausili.

"Since the Warriors made the grand final, they've been crying every day," Ms Fai said. "They wish he was here."

Fai's parents moved to Australia about a year ago, and Lalelei and her family - including baby boy Sonny jnr - moved over about three months ago to be with her parents.

At Bethells Beach, a single grey plaque has been laid in remembrance of Fai.

On one side is a cross and on the other is the Warriors' emblem, with the words: "Keep The Faith."