It has been just over a year since the Rugby League world was shocked by the disappearance of Sonny Fai on Bethels’ Beach in New Zealand. We were all touched by the New Zealand Warriors star’s courage and his ultimate sacrifice that fateful day, saving his cousins and younger brother while the cruel sea took his life.

During 2009 a fundraiser was conducted for the Fai’s in which groups of fans sold wristbands to honour Fai. What not a lot of people would know is that an Australian of Maltese heritage was influential in the fundraising that occurred.

24-year-old Michael Treacy (pictured below with Australia Rugby League and New Zealand Rugby Union international Brad Thorn who is said to be of Maltese heritage) of Sans Souci has been instrumental in the financing, distribution and sales of over 12,000 wristbands in memory of NZ Warriors backrower Sonny Fai who drowned tragically on January 4 2009.

Treacy, whose mother is Maltese and brother represented Malta in Cycling at the 2006 Olympic Games, is too, proud of his Maltese heritage.

“I love the game and always watch the progress of Maltese Rugby League. I’ve seen Malta play against Lebanon as well as keeping tabs on their Internationals overseas. Watching Maltese stars including Penrith’s own Jarrod Sammut, is exciting for our heritage” says Treacy, who has been to Malta once before in 2006.

When asked why the Penrith Panthers fanatic chose to be involved with the appeal, the simple response of “I was touched by the story and I just wanted to help” said it all.

Treacy and good friend, New Zealander David Taylor, created a joint venture that would eventually raise in excess of $35,000 for the family, far exceeding initial expectations.

While Treacy put up over $10,000 of his own money to start the venture, and committed over 250 hours of time he is quick to credit the many supporters that assisted the project, “It wasn’t just me. If it wasn’t for David and our partnership and the volunteers that helped us along the way this wouldn’t have been possible. But ultimately the main purpose of this venture was a way fans could show the Fai’s that we cared and wanted to honour Sonny and the man he was and we were able to make that possible”.

Asked for his opinion on the progress on Maltese Rugby League, Treacy responds “It’s exciting. I believe the foundations have been set so going forward Malta can be represented at the next World Cup. With talented players like Jarrod Sammut and quality coaching from Joe Grima there is a platform to allow us to qualify. I’m excited about the future of Rugby League for Malta”

Further information

Since the fundraiser ended late last year, Treacy has been distributing remaining wristbands to Junior Rugby League areas in Sydney for free, to preserve Sonny’s memory. These wristbands are also available for fans online. The only cost that would be incurred would be the cost of postage. So to purchase a Sonny Fai wrist band, contact Michael Treacy on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Malta Rugby League (MRL) will be receiving a delivery of Sonny Fai wrist bands in coming months for distribution among players at senior and school level, sponsors, partners and supporters.

Text on wristband: Humility. Courage. Sacrifice. Three words that sum up Sonny Fai. A wise man once said "Greater love has no man than he who gives up his life for his friends". Sonny Fai exhibited this love.

Back of wristband: His motto for life, "Don't give up", Sonny’s last words before pushing his brother Gillesbie out of the rip and being taken himself. This encourages us to remain hopeful, particularly in these current times, and gives us hope our dreams can come true if we work hard enough.