VALE Olsen Orekewa Filipaina

23/4/57 – 10/2/22

Mangere East Hawk, Tiger, Rooster, Bear, New Zealand, Western Samoa.

The Men of League Foundation extends its deepest sympathy to the family, friends and team mates of Olsen Filipaina.
One of the greatest ever Kiwi Internationals, the “Big O” was a relentless giant on the field, but a kind and gentle man off the field. His 50 matches, including 28 test caps and 108 points for New Zealand place him among the all-time greatest point scorers for the Kiwis. He would become one of the first Polynesians to carve out a successful career in the NSWRL competition, amassing 108 games and 323 points for Balmain, Eastern Suburbs and North Sydney. Olsen later reverted to his father’s nationality to represent Western Samoa in 1988. He later Captained Ryde-Eastwood to win the inaugural Metropolitan Cup final in 1990.

Olsen was also a great supporter of the Men of League Foundation appearing and speaking at many functions, we shall miss him dearly.

Thanks Olsen, may you rest in peace.