Stirring, impromptu haka tribute after Kiwi Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s Dally M award win
PerthNow
September 27, 2018 7:34AM
ROGER Tuivasa-Sheck’s fellow countrymen led an emotional tribute to this year’s Dally M winner at the conclusion of the ceremony.
Unprompted and unscripted, Warriors hooker Issac Luke jumped from his chair and broke into a traditional Maori haka in honour of the very first New Zealand Warrior to win the prestigious award, which is the equivalent of the AFL’s Brownlow Medal.
He was soon joined by fellow Kiwis Jamayne Isaako, Esan Marsters, and Jordan Rapana as the room came to a standstill.
Jazz Tevaga, the interchange player of the year, was up on the stage with Tuivasa-Sheck and other members of the team of the year but left the stage, took off his jacket and joined in with his fellow New Zealanders.
"That’s just crazy. Where I’m from back in New Zealand there is a special moment for me," Tuivasa-Sheck said.
Jordan Rapana takes part in the Haka as well.
"Back home when something happens, the haka is performed to bring up a special occasion and just to be receiving on is a big honour.
"To have Bully (Issac Luke) a close friend of mine do it for me and a close group of friends there was truly special for me."
Broadcaster Fox Sports ensured that they captured the emotion as the event came to an end and praise started flowing on social media.
Tuivasa-Sheck was also crowned fullback of the year for 2018.
He was joined in the 2018 Dally M team of the year by Blake Ferguson (wing), Joseph Leilua (centre), Cameron Munster (five-eighth), Brooks (halfback), Andrew Fifita (prop), Damien Cook(hooker), Josh Jackson (second row), Jason Taumalolo (lock) and Tevaga (interchange).
https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/ru...-ng-b88973509z
I'm all for the Haka remaining part of what it has always been with All Blacks, but IMHO is was another occasion where it is not being used for it's intended purpose and is starting to where thin and losing it's meaning and the respect it deserves. It's starting to become as unwanted as Aussie Aussie Aussie Oih Oih Oih
From https://www.newzealand.com/au/feature/haka/
The haka is a type of ancient Māori war dance traditionally used on the battlefield, as well as when groups came together in peace. Haka are a fierce display of a tribe's pride, strength and unity. Actions include violent foot-stamping, tongue protrusions and rhythmic body slapping to accompany a loud chant. The words of a haka often poetically describe ancestors and events in the tribe's history.
Today, haka are still used during Māori ceremonies and celebrations to honour guests and show the importance of the occasion. This includes family events, like birthdays and weddings.
Haka are also used to challenge opponents on the sports field. You may have seen a haka performed by New Zealand’s All Blacks before a rugby match? You’ll probably agree that it’s a terrifying sight to behold!
