By Dale Budge
It is hard to believe that we won’t see that beaming smile or hear that infectious laugh from Joeli Vidiri again.
The legendary winger passed away in the United States after a long battle with kidney illness on Friday and it has left the Counties Manukau Rugby and the wider rugby community in mourning.
Vidiri encapsulated what it meant to be Counties Manukau player as much as any I can remember, and this hurts badly.
He arrived here in 1994 and immediately made an impact as a brilliant finisher and X-factor player. But his personality and approach to life made him such a natural fit.
Counties Manukau Rugby is more than just a geographical region – it is a way of playing and expressing yourself in a manner long before teams and players talked about the concept.
Since the Union was formed in 1955, the Counties Manukau way has always been about playing an attractive style, erring on the side of aggression and expansiveness and Vidiri fit the mould perfectly.
His game suited the way the Steelers played but his carefree nature and bubbly personality enhanced the package and made him a hit with fans and the wider community.
How could anyone not feel warm after seeing that amazing smile?
With Vidiri on one wing and the late great Jonah Lomu on the other, Counties Manukau had two of the most exciting finishers the world has ever seen, and they successfully developed a simple game plan that used both players the best way possible.
The fans lapped it up and the banks and grandstands were full at Navigation Homes Stadium as both home fans and neutral rugby fans marvelled at the exploits of the star wingers.
Perhaps the one stand-out memory most fans will have is Vidiri racing off to score a match-winning try against Waikato in the second half of a semi-final in 1997. Down by plenty at halftime, Waikato Rugby were prematurely encouraging their fans to secure tickets to the final before Counties Manukau launched a comeback of epic proportions.
Vidiri was centre of it all and he raced away to score the match-winner, poking his tongue out and smiling that huge smile all the way to the line.
He was a key member of the Blues team that won the first two instalments of Super Rugby and played two test matches for the All Blacks in 1998 as well as winning a gold medal in Sevens for New Zealand at the 1998 Commonwealth Games.
A kidney disorder cut short his brilliant career and by 28 his rugby playing days were over.
He kept involved in the sport – helping his club side Pukekohe and always had words of advice for budding young players.
Vidiri spent many years working at Mitre 10 Mega in Pukekohe, where members of the community continued to lap up his effervescent personality.
His passing will be felt by so many – his former teammates, rugby fans around the world, his native Fiji and the people of Pukekohe have lost a real treasure.
From a generation that you inspired and entertained – we thank you Joeli. So long brother.
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