Fatai Halapaini Melelosa (Hala) Mafi

Growing up I actually thought Hala aka Tasini was our older brother as he lived with us when I was a young lad but it wasnt until years later I find out he was actually my dads nephew as both our parents are siblings and he had originally lived with my grandparents Papa Kovi and my Nena Sifa but shortly after he came to live with us with that said Tasini still acted as our older brother back then he took me and my tokos Brian and Will everywhere from mass every Sunday at St Theresa to Hala's rugby games at Marist even being that big brother at Mass making sure we were always putting our money given from our parents into the collection boxes and not saving it for the bakery after mass :-) He played rep footy in rugby for Auckland alongside some great future All Blacks - Eroni Clarke, Craig Dowd and Craig Innes so who knows what could of been?? I last caught up with Hala back in 2004 as my bro Will was down in Dunedin for Uni so it was good to catch up with him then again after the earlier years when he lived us at Robertsom Road. Ofa lahi atu to Hala's kids and family from the GC! Tasini, my tokoua monuina e fenoga never above you, never below you but always beside you. Ofa lahi atu Henry my wife Caroline Our kids Avah-Latika, Saveuni, Vailima, Cavelli, Sifaata and Havoc Ahokovi.

Thoughts of love and deepest condolences coming to you family. Your protector, your right hand and your rock always has departed. Prayers of comfort today to Lana, Noah & Isaiah 🤍 One of the things I remember about him was that he was always having a laugh, always there no matter how small or big the situation, kind & most humble. Thank you Tasini for the fond memories from Robertson Rd(#275) ☺️ the good and bad they were appreciated 💯 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" - John 14:27. Rest Easy Cous Hala Mafi To Nakai Nimo Tukulagi. EllaMohelagi Tohiniu Family (Brisbane)

With the deepest gratitude and respect. Thinking of you all today Lana, Noah & Isaiah. We give thanks for the precious connection we were blessed to share with you Tasini. Your gentle nature and kind spirit at 43 Robertson Road will be remembered fondly and held in our hearts. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4 May you now rest peacefully Brother Hala. Tui & Hulita Mafi Family

When I first learned of Hala's passing a few days ago, my immediate thought was how could this happen to a young man, whose smile and cheekiness was never far away. I first met Hala 30 years ago when he came from Auckland to Dunedin and began playing league for the South Pacific Raiders club. Despite being small in stature, he showed some brilliance on the field during the season and ended up scoring 12 tries while playing in the important position of standoff. Although Otago did not have a rep fixture in 1996, Hala nevertheless was rewarded for his strong club play by representing Niue in the Pacific Cup. The following year he made his Otago debut as an outside centre, while continuing at standoff with the Raiders, in which he scored 11 tries in a season that saw the 'Pac' captured it second consecutive premier grand final. The one difference was that Hala was now captain of the South Pacific Raiders and led by example with a try during the close 32-24 win over the Wakatipu Cougars in the grand final. 1998 was one of Hala's best seasons with 18 tries for South Pacific and a further five for Otago in five games, with his most important four pointer coming with five seconds to go against Tasman, which assured his team's place in the promotion-relegatation game against the Bay of Plenty a fortnight later. Once again Hala played on the wing for Otago and during the Bay match, he made one notable 60 metre hitup run down the field, which gave his side something to smile about in a disappointing loss. He was made the Otago Sportsman of the Year at the end of prize giving, following his award in 1996. In 1999, he appeared in three games for Otago and scored two tries against Tasman in Nelson. He opted however to play club rugby that year. In 2000 he represented Otago in seven matches during the inaugural year of the Mainland Super 10 competition and scored five tries including a double against the West Coast at Leslie Park in Christchurch. He played in the competition the following year for the Raiders, in a year that was sadly marked with the passing of his 33-year former club and provincial team mate from cancer, Alani Halalilo. In 2002 he changed clubs to Otago University to play his third season of the competition. After having 2003, off, he helped to co found and coach the Harbour Seals club in 2004, which went on and won the Grand Final. Although he continued coaching Harbour for the next couple of years, this was more or less the end of his playing days. His legacy as a player will always be remembered as long as people can still access VHS video tapes or read newspaper microfilms in the library. Rest in Peace Hala, despite being a little man, you were a giant for a few years in Otago Rugby League, for which those of us who saw you, will always hold dear. Carey Clements Otago Rugby League Historian/Life Member