(CROWD NOISE BUILDS) CROWD CHANTS: Jonah! Jonah! Jonah! (CHEERING, WHISTLING) KEITH QUINN: So much of the New Zealand team's hopes rest with Jonah Lomu in Rugby World Cup '95. (NOISE FADES) (STIRRING HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYS) Bachop again, New Zealand maintaining possession. Wide to Lomu. He's got the bounce. He's handed off his opposite. Lomu! Oh! Oh! (CROWD ROARS) It's hard to believe this man, just two years ago, was playing schoolboy rugby. Look out! Lomu in again. Lomu! Three for Lomu, heading for four. Jonah Lomu, the youngest All Black ever ` only 20 years old. If you have a look closely in his eyebrow there ` number 11. Jonah Lomu. Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air. www.able.co.nz Copyright Able 2019 (WOMEN CHEER, SCREAM) (GENTLE HIP-HOP MUSIC) This is crazy. (DOOR OPENS) (SCREAMING CONTINUES) (CAMERAS CLICK, REPORTERS CLAMOUR) Hey. Chin up. Chest out. You got this. Here he is. Eh? The man of the moment. The 1995 BBC International Sports Personality of the Year. (APPLAUSE) Babe, half the Man U team were there. I'm doing a promo with them tomorrow. And Phil's got me a meeting with Reebok ` like, the actual Reebok guys. Sounds like you're having an amazing time. Yeah, it's cool. But... it's pretty out-of-it. I've got paparazzi chasing me around. It's crazy. These girls even stole my hair. That sounds creepy. Does that not seem creepy to you? I wish you weren't in South Africa, Tans. Move to New Zealand. (CHUCKLES) I mean it, Tans. I can get us a house. Honest. Biggest house on the south side. Ask me again in the morning. (CHEERING) (GENTLE HIP-HOP MUSIC) Sela! Hee-hee! CHUCKLES: Hey! 'Sup, bro? Hey, bro, this is crazy, man. What the hell? I know, right? A bit different to the bank days, eh? I know, bro. Hey, I'll wait for you in the car, eh? Ah, sweet. Hoo-hoo-hoo! Hey. Hey, man. I should've booked you a limousine. Shucks, Reeboks should've booked you one. Do they let you have all these gears? Yep. And they pay me. What? How much? Nah, Phil sorts all that shit, eh? OK. You must be rolling in it now, eh? But be careful, though, bro. Money comes, money goes. (ALL SING TONGAN HYMN) Taha, ua, tolu. (CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS) Sai. (CHEERING, APPLAUSE) (LAID-BACK HIP-HOP MUSIC) Wow! (CHUCKLES) This is huge. Where do you want this, babe? (LAUGHS) In the bedroom? Nah, I just want you in the bedroom. (LAUGHS) Put me down! Youse hungry? Go get youse a feed ` anything you want. Anything? Yeah, bro. That card means I can get whatever I want, whenever I want. And me and Ronald are best friends now. Malo, Jonah. Malo, Jonah. Get that Mega Fest, eh? And bring the card back. Far. I still can't believe we're gonna play full-time rugby and get paid for it. Nah, you don't play full-time, Michael. You get a rest on Sundays. I already told ASB I'm not coming back, eh? They don't care, so long as you still bank with them. How about you boys? Who are youse signing with? Super 12 or overseas comp? Whoever's gonna take me. My days are numbered now that you're around. Yes they are, Rushie. Pretty simple ` sign with NZ Rugby, play Super 12, or go overseas and say goodbye to the black jersey. What about you, bro? I'll do whatever you guys do. Don't you worry, lad. I made 'em sing and dance. Didn't I? The amount we agreed on, ooh, it'll make your eyes water. Welcome to the Blues, Jonah. We're expecting big things. Hey. Here's to a bright future, lad. You'll be up there one day, son ` you mark my words. This is just the beginning. Phil. (URINE SPLASHES) (OMINOUS MUSIC) (SIGHS) (PEACEFUL HIP-HOP MUSIC) (EXHALES, GROANS) (TUTS) Hepi? Yes, Siona? (SPEAKS TONGAN) JOHN: You're such a poser. (WHISPERS) Shut up, Drew. (GRUNTS) Hup! (CHILDREN CHATTER) (PEACEFUL MUSIC) SEMISI: Hey. Hss! Hss! (SNORING) Hey. Hey, John. I'm going for a walk. Wanna come? Come on. Who cares if we get a hiding? Drew, you can't catch me. You can't catch me! You can't catch me! You can't catch me! Come, G. Oh shit! Oh shit! G! (LAUGHS) Nah! G, we're Tongan, we're not Samoan. (BACKBOARD CLATTERS) (BOYS CHATTER) (CICADAS CHITTER) G, tax the bike. (SIGHS) Hurry up. Nah, you get it. (UPBEAT HIP-HOP MUSIC) Nah. (CHAIN RATTLES) Oh. Oh! Come on. Nah! (AEROSOL CAN HISSES) Thought you would've been too drop-nuts to take it. Nah. Even got a car once. You can't even drive. Yes, egg. In Tonga. You weren't there. The only thing you stole was lollies from the dairy, and then Mum gave you your rocks. (CHUCKLES) Shut up. (TENSE MUSIC) (DRAMATIC MUSIC) every day for nearly 5 years, but some people still don't know it. So, just a reminder - our every day $5 Value Range is on: (BIKE CHAIN CLICKS) Hss. (SPEAKS TONGAN) (KNOCKS) (WHACK!) Argh! Koe mo'oni. We found the bike on the road. (WHACK!) Ah! (WHACK!) (WHIMPERS) (WHACK!) (SNIFFLES, SOBS) (WHACK!) Ah! (SNIFFLES) You're such a kota. You know when you're talking back to Semisi, you're asking for a hiding. I'm gonna give him his rocks one day. I'm gonna kill him. Oh yeah? How you gonna do that? Use a cricket bat. Smash it over his head. He's got a hard head, man. You'll probably need a sledgehammer. Man, I'll get a car, run him down. Get an Uzi, do a drive-by, like the real gangstas. (IMITATES MACHINE GUN) Tah-tah-bah! (BANGING ON WALL, HEPI SHOUTS) You watch too much movies, bro. Shut up. (LAID-BACK HIP-HOP MUSIC) Hey, here comes Drew and the boys. Huh? 'Sup, G? Drew. What are you guys up to? Nothing. G, um,... I wanna be part of the CCB. Straight up? Yeah. Reckon you're tough enough? They'll ta you worse than your dad. Dad's hidings don't even hurt. Yeah, it does. Shut up. Look, we'll see, eh? Just... stash these for now, and I'll go talk to some people, yeah? What's in it? Don't worry, Jonah. When do you want it back? I'll holler. But if you get caught, they're yours. OK. I'll put in a good word for you, eh? Later. Laters. Holy! What do you wanna join a gang for? Cos I'm sick of hanging around you. Jokes. When I'm part of the Crips, no one will mess with us. Not even Dad. (SIREN WAILS) Go, go, go, go! (UPBEAT HIP-HOP MUSIC) (SIREN CONTINUES) Ah! (PANTS) Argh! (GROANS) (GENTLE PIANO MUSIC) Peekaboo! (BABY LAUGHS) (SPEAKS TONGAN) (KNOCK AT DOOR) (BABY CRIES) OK, OK, OK. Parents home? (HEPI SPEAKS TONGAN) What did you just say? I just asked him to take the kids to the room. I saw some boys in the park sporting a dangerous weapon. Your neighbours suggested that I try here. How'd you cut your leg? Answer him. I was jumped. By who? Bloods. I took down three. But there were too many of them. Did they have any other weapon, or was it just the knife? I dunno, sir. But I've heard they had heaps. You should go get them. They're causing a lot of trouble in the neighbourhood. Us kids don't feel safe. Thanks for the information. (DOOR OPENS, CLOSES) You don't have to tell me nothing. Hmm? (TENSE MUSIC) (BELT SMACKS) (BOTH PANT) (POIGNANT MUSIC) (DRAMATIC MUSIC) (SIREN WAILS) (ENGINE ROARS) Hepi? Was it the Bloods? Siona. Siona! (CHOIR SINGS MOURNFUL TONGAN HYMN) (KEENS MOURNFULLY) (POIGNANT PIANO MUSIC) (EERIE, UNSETTLING MUSIC) (UNSETTLING MUSIC BUILDS) (THOUGHTFUL PIANO MUSIC) (SOBS QUIETLY) (SNIFFS) (EXHALES) (GROWLS) (UPBEAT HIP-HOP MUSIC) Oi, dickhead! Juniors give way to seniors. What'd you call me? Oh, you're Tongan, eh? I called you an usi! Don't call me that. Hey. Hey! What's going on here? Nothing, sir. Just welcoming the 3rd formers. (BELL RINGS) Lomu, isn't it? What have you got next? English. Room 17. Down the corridor, on the right, third door on your left. Thank you, sir. Gymnasium, after school. (PUNCHES THUD) (GRUNTS) (PANTS) Hey. I know you don't wanna be here. But trust me, school life is better if you put effort in. (BOYS CHATTER) (BOYS SING SCHOOL CHANT) (GRUNTS) Ooh! (CHEERING) (GRUNTS) (CHEERING) (UPBEAT MUSIC) (GRUNTS) (GRUNTS) (CHEERING) You've had a good day. Thank you, sir. You, uh, fancy a run in the sprints with the big guns? Wesley! BOYS: Wesley! (BOYS CHANT) (BOYS CLAP RHYTHMICALLY) (BOYS SING WESLEY SCHOOL CHANT) On your marks,... set,... (DRAMATIC MUSIC) (STARTING GUN BANGS) (BOYS CHEER) (BACKGROUND NOISE FADES) (EXCITING MUSIC) (CHEERING, APPLAUSE) Wow! Jonah! (APPLAUSE) Lomu. (WHISTLE TRILLS, BAGS THUD) (PLAYERS SHOUT) We, uh, don't usually let juniors play in the senior team, but we could make an exception. Nah, it's all good, sir. I don't really like rugby, anyways. You're a gifted athlete, Jonah ` a natural. You've smashed ever Wesley athletics record we have. We could really use you. Sorry, sir. We only play league out south. (UPBEAT HIP-HOP MUSIC) (BRAKES SQUEAK) Thanks for the ride, bro. (EXHALES) Good game of league? Yes, sir. Mt Wellington under-21s. Played Carlton. You would've been proud. We wasted them. Did you get a pass from your head of house? Mr Jacobson said it was OK. Where's your slip? He was too busy to write one ` head down in reports. I didn't have enough time to wait. I was gonna miss my ride. Honest, sir. Do you know what your mother did to get you into Wesley? We were full. Your application was a month late. She begged for your place in this school, said that if you didn't come, you'd end up dead like your cousin Andrew or in trouble with the police. I'll quit. You know you're not allowed to leave the school grounds without permission. Mt Wellington have got plenty of grunt without me. I'm sorry, Lomu. I can help out after school, weekends ` scrub off graffiti, gardening. This isn't the first time this has happened. I've got no choice but to expel you. I'll do anything. OK. Why should I change the rules for you? I'll play rugby. I'm sorry. (TENSE MUSIC) (DRAMATIC MUSIC) Assertive ` that's how I describe my driving. On the open road, you're aiming for about 10 to 15 above the road sign. Nah, nah, passengers don't get to call the shots. I'm the one driving, so I choose the speed. (WEATHER REPORT PLAYS ON RADIO) (ENGINE REVS) If you wanna drive, then you can drive. That's what I always fire back. They just don't understand how you can drive quickly and safely. If anyone tells me to slow down, I give them the same response every time ` my car, my rules. (ENGINE REVS) (SNIFFLES) Why is it so important for you to stay at this school, Jonah? (SNIFFS) Cos my mum'll give me a hiding. (SNIFFLES) (BOYS CHATTER) You're only allowed in here if you have pubes. (BOYS LAUGH) Grinter told me to come. Go and clean your boots. You're not in Otara any more. Go! (BOYS HISS) Get out of here. Fresh meat. (BOYS LAUGH) (BLOWS WHISTLE) All right, set it in, boys. Don't be getting scared now, Jonah. Playing with the big boys. Hope you brought your nuts. On me, halfie. (WHISTLE TRILLS) (PLAYERS CLAMOUR) Ooh! Good tackle! Kae! Just as I thought. (WHISTLE TRILLS) GRINTER: All right, boys, run it again, yeah? Plenty of focus. Look for your winger, OK. Again, Jonah, I'm here all day! On me, halfie. Set in, boys. (GENTLE GUITAR MUSIC) (WHISTLE TRILLS) (PLAYERS CLAMOUR) (PLAYERS GROAN) Good running, Jonah. All right, boys, one more time, come on. (BLOWS WHISTLE) (PLAYERS CLAMOUR) (WHISTLE TRILLS) Up high. All up, boys. Shot, brothers. Brothers on three ` one, two, three. ALL: Brothers! You've got some balls, Jonah. But you're still a junior, so go get the cones, eh? (GENTLE MUSIC CONTINUES) Nice, Jonah. Go, Jonah. (PLAYERS CLAMOUR) (EXCITING MUSIC) (STIRRING ELECTRONIC MUSIC) (CHEERING) (WHISTLE TRILLS) (CHEERING) Nice run, Jo. Yes! Good, Jo! Pass it! Pass it! Not bad, Jonah. Come on. How many hospital passes did you see? Tell the truth. I will not hear excuses, Jonah. Well, we won anyways. You did not play well today. You're unfocused, showing off. (CHUCKLES) Don't you pull the lower lip with me, boyo. I know you think you're a big deal cos Rushie took you to Singapore for the sevens. But you have still got a lot to learn. If I'm useless, then why are you here? Because I believe in you, Jo. You have got something very special. And with some hard work and skills to go with your size and speed, you could go all the way. What? Like, New Zealand Schools? (LAUGHS) I'd aim a bit higher if I were you, son. How high are we talking? You stick with me, you could go all the way to the top. (OMINOUS MUSIC) In sickness or in health. (SIGHS) What? I mean, can you do this vow stuff? What's going on? Just... my life isn't exactly simple. Are you getting cold feet? No. No. Is this about us not inviting our families? Nah, it's... I mean, it's, just... it's our big day. And we can do what we want. Just, shit is complicated. Everyone's making me out to be this big deal and, I mean, we can't even walk down the street. I don't care if have to share you with half the planet. Some of you is better than none. Everything's fine, Jo. We're going full package ` marriage, house. You can teach the kids to catch a ball in the backyard. (CHUCKLES) We'll get a dog. (LAUGHS) OK. I like that. Looking sharp. How does it feel? Oh, it's a bit tight in the back, eh? OK. Marriage, eh? Big call, bro. You sure you're ready for this? I'm in love, man. (CHUCKLES) Bro, you're 20 years old. You don't even know what love is. Fast love doesn't equal a long marriage. Are you sure this is what you want? Yeah. Lovely. And what about looking in each other's eyes? Get in there. Beautiful. Yeah, and a kiss. And... beautiful. You have to tell them. It'll be fine. Just like we practised. (SIGHS) (SIGHS) (PHONE BUTTONS BEEP) (RINGING TONE) Hepi,... (CLEARS THROAT) (PHONE DISCONNECTS) (POIGNANT MUSIC) (SIGHS) (HANGS UP PHONE) (EXHALES DEEPLY) JONAH ON TV: I know that they didn't want me to do it. And I was scared that they wouldn't let me do it. But I found out... I was the legal age and... I had to take it into terms. PAUL HOLMES: Your mother is very upset. I am too. I mean, she's the woman that brought me on to this earth. It's just,... (SNIFFLES) ...you know, the hardest thing. I can't really say anything else about it. (PHONE RINGS) (OMINOUS MUSIC) Hey. How did it go? Paul Holmes made me cry. What a sook. At least you're on TV. (CHUCKLES) - (THUD!) - Ah! Hey. We can make it right. We can have another wedding. And this time, it can be in a church, and everyone can come. Can we do it in South Africa? Anything you want, Mrs Lomu. (INTERCOM BUZZES) Hello? Uh, Mrs Lomu, can we come up and get a comment about the Paul Holmes`? No. (INTERCOM BUZZES, PHONE RINGS) Leave us alone. There's heaps of press at the gate. You're not going out there. Babe, I can't be late for training. Look, if they come on the property, just call the cops, OK? I'll let Phil know. Don't answer the phone, and stay in the house, OK? You'll be fine. I'll see you after training. (PENSIVE PIANO MUSIC) Jonah, over here, mate. (CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS) Sweet, bro. That's enough. Oh, just a couple more, eh? Any regrets ` not telling the parents? Come on, man. I said that's enough. Oh, come on bro. You know the deal. You're a celebrity. It's part of the job. Just a couple more. Let's call your mother, see what she says. You got what you came for. Now fuck off! Hope she was worth it. Oh, fuck`! (CAMERA CLATTERS) Hey! (CAMERAS CLICK, REPORTERS CLAMOUR) (DRAMATIC MUSIC) (KNOCKS) Ah, big man. (CHUCKLES) Hey. Thanks for stopping by. Yeah, no worries. Have a seat. Have a seat. (SIGHS) Blues did well. That must feel good ` winning a championship on your first outing. Yeah. Real good. Good. Well, listen, I've been meeting with all the players just to discuss what our priorities should be on an individual and team level, set some outcomes and objectives and get some strategies in place to optimise your performance. I just wanna play. (LAUGHS) Yeah. Well, let's... let's think big and work back from there, eh? What are your long-term goals? Like, long, long-term goals? Mm-hm. What do you want to achieve in the black jersey? What'll be the Jonah Lomu legacy? (THOUGHTFUL MUSIC) I wanna be one of the greats. I wanna win a World Cup. 50 caps. Score tries ` heaps of tries. (PENSIVE MUSIC) (PLAYERS CLAMOUR) Hey, Doc. That looks nasty. How long you had that? Are you feeling sick again? Up! (PENSIVE MUSIC CONTINUES) Go, Jonah. Pump those legs. That's it. (PLAYERS CLAMOUR) He's lost a lot of condition. You make him sound like a race horse. He cost as much. Unless he's just lazy. He may be a superstar, but he's not getting special treatment around here. You have to admit, he had a disappointing Super 12. Yeah. Three tries in the whole season. He's under a lot of pressure. Kingsley Jones keeps him on a tight leash. The media ` they never leave him alone. All his sponsorship commitments,... a new wife. Yeah ` excuses. Good one, boys. Unless there's something wrong with him. No. Now, you keep me in the loop. See you out there. Sweet. See you on the pitch. What's going on? You look tired out there. Short of breath. That leg should have healed weeks ago. It could be your kidneys, Jo. You're not doing yourself any favours keeping me in the dark. I've been pissing blood. Not all the time. It comes and goes. Since when? Beginning of the year, pretty much. I was hoping it would go away on its own, but... We always knew this day was coming. I thought you said I'd have years. People with renal impairment can be stable for years. Come on. I'll get you some antibiotics for that cut. Hey, Doc,... if we can just keep it between us two. No one needs to know. Cheers. I'm gonna need a sample every time you go to the toilet for the next 24 hours. I drink a lot of water, Doc. I got a lot of bottles. Strong. Let's go. Up, up, up, up, up. Nice, Jo. One more, Jo. One more. Let's go, let's go. Come on, one more. Up, Jo. (GRUNTS) Nice. Go get a drink, Jo. Awesome. He's got an infection on his leg. I've given him some antibiotics. Mm-hm. (SIGHS) (URINE TRICKLES) (SIGHS) (LIQUID SLOSHES) Bro. What you got in there? None of your business, bro. You sneaky bastard. You snuck beers into camp, eh? (CHUCKLES) Bro, you should have packed better. Don't hold out, mate. Give us a drink. Hey. Fine. Alchy. Here. Stay hydrated, bro. What, bro? Smart-arse. (CHUCKLES) (DOOR CLOSES) (TOILET FLUSHES) (GENTLE MUSIC) I've organised to have them sent to the lab at Dunedin Hospital. Shit, they're gone. What, all of them? What if Rushie found them? There was heaps of them. He's been at training all morning. (SIGHS) It was probably housekeeping. (BOTH CHUCKLE) Well, we'll need to start the 24 hours again, from, uh,... midday. If it is Rushie, you'll soon know all about it. Mate, take a picture. It'll last longer. Creeping me out. (CHUCKLES) We got the results back. The blood in your urine must have been from an infection. It would have cleared up from the antibiotics we gave you for other things, but otherwise, there was nothing definitive. I thought I was sick. Yes, you are. We just don't have a name for it or know what's causing it. Am I gonna get better? We don't know what we're dealing with. We'll keep you monitored, do more tests if you go downhill. They're very invasive, so we'll hold off for as long as possible. So at this stage, it's watch and wait. I'm sorry. I know you were hoping for some answers. Can I keep playing? Are you gonna tell Harty? Nah. I'll be all good. You can't keep this under wraps forever. I can't, either. Just get me to South Africa. Then we can sort it. Promise. (UPBEAT R&B MUSIC) (UPBEAT R&B MUSIC CONTINUES) JOHN HART: Marshall, Mehrtens,... Little... and Bunce. (APPLAUSE) Outside backs ` Osbourne,... Wilson and Cullen. (APPLAUSE) All right, thank you very much. Thank you. Next game, bro. Uh,... sorry, Big Man. You want more caps, you're gonna have to put in the effort. I put in the work, Doc. I know you did. (UPBEAT R&B MUSIC PLAYS) Hey, boy, a shot for you. Shot, boys. You either bang it or you beat it. Cheers, bro. We get wasted, the Springboks get wasted. To good health. We're on. Are you going soft on me, mate? What's up? Nothing, bro. Yeah. Bottoms up. Yeah! Let's go, lads. (UPBEAT HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYS) (CHUCKLES) Bro, your dance moves were straight elo. Honestly, for a big brown fulla, you got no rhythm, bro. Hey, bro, it was the shoes, bro. Yeah, I know it's the shoes. Could've told you that ages ago. bro. (THUD!) (GRUNTS) Mate, you all right? (GROANS) What the fuck youse up to? It was just a joke, man. To say he smacked Jonah Lomu. Silly fucker could have got himself killed. Take your mate to the hospital. Stupid fuckers! EXHALES: Fuck. (DRAMATIC MUSIC) Far, this feels like a stakeout. Top secret guy, eh? Semisi Bond, is it? (BOTH CHUCKLE) Hey, how about I go chat up the receptionist ` you know, sweet talk her ` and, uh, you guys sneak in on the low? I don't know why you can't just keep doing it. I'm just your garden-variety sports doctor. It's time for the big guns. SPECIALIST: Well, I'm surprised you're not dead ` numbers like these ` let alone playing international rugby. It's remarkable. We're going to have to biopsy your kidneys, find out what's really going on. The results will take a few weeks, but we'll have some definitive answers. DOC: Can Jonah keep playing? The Baa-baas tour is coming up. Well, as long as you feel good, go for it. You won't do any more damage. You'll know when it's time to stop. - (CROWD NOISE IN BACKGROUND) - It's just a bit of cellulitis. Your leg looks like it's gonna explode. Nah, it's fine. It's not fine. It's not fine. Come on, Jo. Your body is trying to tell you something. You need to listen. They're here to see me play. What, like this? I can't let them down. (DRAMATIC MUSIC) Please, don't go out on that field. CROWD CHANTS: Jonah! Jonah! How do I look? I'll be fine, Doc. KEITH QUINN: This is not a great-looking clearance. It won't find touch. It is now in the hands of the big man, Jonah Lomu. And here he comes. And it's Lomu again, again looking dangerous. But this time, well, his pass has gone astray. Left-wing side. Jonah contained again. English defence too good. Again, through the midfield this time, goes Lomu, not having the greatest of games. (TOILET FLUSHES) (POIGNANT PIANO MUSIC) This is stupid. I thought you wanted some answers. (POIGNANT MUSIC CONTINUES) You have nephrotic syndrome. Is that bad? That sounds bad. Uh, it causes your body to excrete too much protein into your urine. Um, basically, it means your kidneys aren't doing their job ` which we already knew, but now we have a name for it. Am I gonna die? We're all gonna die. But if the question is, is there a cure, then the answer's yes. (EXHALES) It's serious, but we can treat it. Good. That's good. No more hiding, hm? How long will I be out? (SIGHS) Can you tell him? Jesus. How long's he had it? We don't know. Maybe since he was a kid. He started showing symptoms just before the World Cup last year. Chances are he's only ever been working 60%, 70% capacity. Imagine Lomu at 100%. You didn't tell me. Why didn't you tell me? So, is this... it? He might never play again. Most people with his condition can't even get out of bed. You didn't tell him that. God, no. All that time,... I thought he was just lazy. (REPORTERS CHATTER QUIETLY) (CAMERA SHUTTERS CLICK) Hey. Chin up boyo, right? No disease is gonna keep you down for long. Are you a doctor now? I don't have to be. Look at yo. You ` hey ` you are a gift from God. (SIGHS) Now get in there. I'm 20 years old. And, uh,... I think, that, uh, this is just the beginning. Nothing's gonna stop me ` - especially nothing as small as a kidney. - (LAUGHTER) You'll make a full recovery? That's the plan. Jonah has battled tirelessly through this season ` no complaints, no excuses. Now, we all want what's best for Jonah, for his career, but most importantly for his health. And as such, he will be taking the next year off rugby to focus on his recovery. (REPORTERS CLAMOUR) Jonah, what's the prognosis? One at a time. One at a time. Jonah. What's the prognosis? (DRAMATIC MUSIC) (CHUCKLES) That's no good. I got this. (MEN CHATTER INDISTINCTLY) (WOMAN SCREAMING) (DRAMATIC ROCK MUSIC) I got this. SONG: # I need a hero # I'm holding out for a hero SONG: # I need a hero # I'm holding out for a hero till the end of the night SONG: # I need a hero # He's gotta be strong till the end of the night SONG: # I need a hero # He's gotta be strong and he's gotta be fast SONG: # I need a hero # And he's gotta and he's gotta be fast SONG: # I need a hero # And he's gotta be fresh from the fight SONG: # I need a hero # I need a hero! # With Holden Colorado, With Holden Colorado, you got this. SPECIALIST: I can't lie. This kind of disease, we need to go in hard. And treatment is very heavy-duty. DOC: There might be a few nasty side effects. Will I lose my hair? Not necessarily. Now treatment will be month on, month off for... well, as long as it takes. Clear your diary. We'll start the beginning of next week. Yeah. Phil's all over it. Right. See you Monday. There is on... more thing I need to make you aware of. There's a chance ` a strong chance the treatment will render you infertile. You'll never be able to have children. Never? It's highly unlikely. (THOUGHTFUL MUSIC) I'm so sorry. It's not your fault. I don't have to get the treatment. Don't be stupid. We can get a puppy. Let's get a puppy. (SIGHS) I wanna go private ` get the drugs private. You're entitled to go through the public system. Nah, nah, nah, I don't won't those nosey buggers in my shit. Uh,... it'll be at least 5K every month. It's just money. Would you like a receipt with that? What name should I put on the prescription? Toby Jack. Make a fist for me. What are your thoughts about needles? I hate them. Do you wanna go for a drink or something? Uh, I've got a house call. Oh, of course. Dumb idea. You could come with me. 8-year-old boy, heart issues. He's on his last legs. How long has he got? Two weeks, give or take. I'm sure he'd love a visitor. (GENTLE MUSIC) (KNOCK AT DOOR) (DOOR OPENS) Oh my God! (CHUCKLES) Hey, bro. Hey. What do you think of this one? I like the first one better. This one? Yeah, this one. You got a mean room, bro. Thanks. (MAN SPEAKS TONGAN) (CONGREGATION SING TONGAN HYMN) (HYMN CONTINUES) Oh, hurry up. What? Are you a drug dealer now? What does this shit even do? Takes away my abs, bro. That's what it does. (VOMITS) (SPITS) Ah, sorry. (SNIFFS) Don't be sorry. Can I get you anything? I'm OK. Thank you. (SNIFFS) (GROANS) Shall we watch some sevens, Toby Jack? Glenn Osbourne begins the final stages of this '94 tournament. Eric Rush claiming the ball. Lomu ` takes more than one to tackle him. Takes more than two. It takes more than three! And what a run from Lomu. Here is a big thank you to Eric Rush, who discovered this kid at 14 years old. (DRAMATIC MUSIC) (PHONE RINGS) Hello? Phil. Laurie Mains. Laurie. How are you? Oh, can't complain. Look, far be it from me to tell you what to do over there at Counties. I was wondering if you could have a word with Ross. Try playing Lomu on the wing. My thoughts exactly. Boys, good game today. (DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES) PETER WILLIAMS: His attacking skills were eventually confirmed. With his first touch in first class rugby, he left them for dead. (CHEERING ON TV) Your swerve is good. So is your sidestep. You wanna stay on the outside and then force them back on the inside. (CHUCKLES) You've got the speed... and the power. Yeah, I like the space, eh? I can stretch my legs. Well, why don't you stretch your legs and go and set the table? Go on. Hey, Jo. Called your Mum? You'll feel better once it's done. (JONAH SPEAKS TONGAN) Phil says I need to make myself available for rugby things. I gotta go now, Mum. Wash your hands, eh? There's a good lad. We got mince for tea, jelly for afters. (HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYS) (KNOCKS) Time to go. (MUSIC STOPS) Jo. A bank is never gonna hire you dressed like a criminal. Get it off. Look, I want you to have your best shot. Please. Look, I know you don't wanna work, OK? But you have finished school and you can't make money playing rugby. The bank is as good as it gets, yeah? This is Rachel. Jonah. Good morning, Rachel. This is Sela. He'll be looking after you. Hey, bro. Jonah. Hey, bro. Nice to meet you, bro. Welcome to the ASB. Thank you, Mary. Bro, do you remember me? Yeah, of course I do. I went to 'Rewa ` athletics. Under-16s. Reps up in Whangarei. Yeah. You're boys with Noa and them. Yeah, that's the one. Time flies, eh? Yeah. I remember, cos you were the only 15-year-old with an eight-pack. (LAUGHS) Pfft. This guy. You were on steroids, though, eh? Nah. Tell the truth. Nah. Just straight taro and corn beef, man. Yeah, OK. My man. How long have you been working here for? Nearly a year now. All right. It's all good. Pretty cruisy. Yeah, sweet. Mm. Are you nervous, bro? About the job? Nah. You'll be sweet as. About the ABs. Oh. Trialists are announced tomorrow. Oh, that's true. Oh,... I don't know. Come on, man. You're a bloody beast, bro. Rugby World Cup next year. First Tongan All Black. What?! Sure. (CHUCKLES) (UPBEAT R&B MUSIC) Yeah! (HOWLS) (DRAMATIC MUSIC) Go! Don't get too carried away this week, Big Man. Don't want you stealing my spot. How long have we got to run 3K? 18 minutes or under. Fastest do it in 12. Man or mouse, boy? Let's see what you're made of, shall we? Go! (LAID-BACK R&B MUSIC) And go. (PANTS) Don't wait for me, Doc. (PANTS) We can pack it in. How far? There's no need to go crazy on the first outing. How far? 1.3km down. 1.7km to go. OK. (PANTS) That's it, Jo. (BREATHES HEAVILY) How long was that? You really wanna know? Just under two hours. (BOTH CHUCKLE) Eh? Said it'd be a slow recovery. Let's go get a feed. That's the fastest you've moved all day. (BOTH LAUGH) What's the fucking point, man? I'm never gonna make it back in the ABs. No one's gonna sponsor me. I will not hear talk like that. Right? You've got all the time in the world. Eh? I've got till November. I'm never gonna be well enough. Modern medicine is a marvellous thing. Nah. Harty's gonna put someone else in my place. Tana, Cully. Son. Hey. You are Jonah Fucking Lomu, king of the world. It will be all right. (TENSE MUSIC) (SIGHS) They'll take a few days. (PHONE BUTTONS BEEP) (KNOCK AT DOOR) Wow. Thanks for dressing up for us, mate. (!) Jesus. You keeping ladies' hours, or what? (CHUCKLES) How are youse? What are youse up to? Nothing. We came to raid your fridge. But it looks like you beat us to it. Your training starts now. (LAUGHS) There must be one stashed in there somewhere, bro. Hey! Sweet. Let's go. Let's see how bad you want it, eh? You got this, boyo! And go! (UPBEAT R&B MUSIC) (LAUGHS) 14.3 seconds. Jesus, too many brewskis. Shit. I've been sick. What's your excuse? Just trying to build your confidence. Didn't want you to pop that foo-foo valve. That's not even a real thing. Oh, yes it is. Eh, Doc? Yeah, sure, it's just to the left of the gizzard. (ALL LAUGH) (SIGHS) Well, come on. I'm dying here. No, you're not. You're in remission. TANYA: Is it gone for good? We'll have to keep an eye on it. But yes, all indications are that we've knocked it on its head. (LAUGHS) Yeah. Yeah! (ALL LAUGH) So I'm clear to trial? Yep. (LAUGHS) Thank you, Doc. It's been a privilege. (APPLAUSE) Welcome home, Big Man. (PLAYERS CLAMOUR) Looking good out there. You reckon? Yeah, back to your old form. That break did you good. You want it more, huh? Thank you. Good luck on that tour. Hope you smash them Poms. Jonah! (SIGHS) I gotta go. Bye. Right, same again, guys. Bit of focus, eh? KEITH QUINN: And running on to this famous turf of Old Trafford this afternoon, and there's the first camera look at Jonah Lomu, as he's back. And what a wonderful moment it is for him. IAN SMITH: Oh, he must be looking forward to this. He's worked very, very hard to get back from his illness. He's played well on tour so far. And he's back in the Test side. (CROWD ROARS) And Lomu. Yes, Lomu is very good on the catch. Now Lomu against Rees for the first time. And he loses him. Lomu's back. (DOOR CLOSES) (PENSIVE MUSIC) Hey, babe. I've been going through the phone bill. Yeah? How much do we owe this month? Who were you calling in Wellington? I call lots of people. There's heaps ` all times of the day and night. Might be one of the boys, babe. To this one number? Yeah. Like I said. Look at it. It's Cully. Yeah, we talk about the Comm Games. Gotta bring home a gold medal. You can call the number, if you don't believe me. (HANGS UP PHONE) (REFLECTIVE MUSIC) Come back here. We can talk about this. Please. Don't be such a baby. OK, I'm sorry. Please. Please don't go. When are you coming back? (ENGINE STARTS) (HIP-HOP MUSIC PLAYS ON STEREO) (REFLECTIVE MUSIC) (DRAMATIC MUSIC) Hey, babe? Yeah? Where do you want these? Oh, in the games room. OK. (PHONE RINGS) (RINGING CONTINUES) (PHONE RINGS) (SIGHS) (CLEARS THROAT) Tanya, sweetheart. I'm sorry, love. I know. Break-ups are a terrible thing. Tell her she can keep the house. And the car. You can have the house and the car. And Toby Jack. And the dog. He wants a clean break, love. This is hard on him too. Oh, sweetheart. I have no idea if he's seeing someone else. As far as I'm concerned, he's got far more important things to concentrate on. (CROWD ROARS) (CHEERING) LAURIE: 100%, boys. 100%. KEITH QUINN: And here he is, the only non All Black in the black Probables team, at just 19, Jonah Lomu. Lomu for the first time. Wilson carving it up. Super run by Lomu. Good defence from Lomu. Lomu. He's gone into the gap, and then his step power, his size has got him. And Rush tries to go under the ball, but Lomu's too strong. (CHEERING) So, how does it feel to be the mother of an All Black? (APPLAUSE) Siona. Uh, one with Mum and Dad. Nah, I didn't do enough, Mum. Eh? (SEMISI CHUCKLES) Great game, boys. Well done. Thank you. Well played. Well played. Thank you. Rushie, awesome. Well, we want you on the team. At wing? Yeah. You had a good game. Plenty of work to do, but you played well. Well done. Thanks, boss. Put your suit on. You owe me for that try, man. Yeah! (LAUGHS) Yeah, one of my long-term goals ended up being pretty short. Uh, but, um,... making the team, I just can't describe it, really. Youngest All Black ever. Yeah, I know. I still can't wrap my head around it. But it feels pretty special, I guess. (REFLECTIVE PIANO MUSIC) Bags and balls, Jo. (APPLAUSE) Good on you, mate. Jonah. Welcome to the family, Big Man. Thank you, Fitzie. Cheers. Goldie. (APPLAUSE) Marshall. (DRAMATIC MUSIC) (STIRRING PERCUSSIVE MUSIC) (STIRRING CHORAL MUSIC BUILDS) Kia mau! Hi a! # A ka mate, ka mate, # ka ora, ka ora! # Ka mate, ka mate, # ka ora, ka ora! # Tenei te tangata puhuruhuru, # nana nei i tiki mai, whakawhiti te ra. # A upane! # Ka upane! # A upane, kaupane! # Whiti te ra! # Hi! # The culture that we have in the All Blacks, Gary, is that no one player is bigger than the team. Keep your eyes down and do whatever they say. Today I'm prepared to die for this jersey. (SIREN WAILS) You've only got about 10 years in you, unless you get a new kidney. (HEPI SPEAKS TONGAN) You don't mind if Nadene joins you? This is Fiona. When are you gonna learn your lesson? I wanna buy a car. What's wrong with the four you've already got? I'm not a cripple. I'm a fucking rugby player! Captions by James Brown Captions were made with the support of NZ On Air. www.able.co.nz Copyright Able 2019