Former New Zealand Test star Olsen Filipaina in hospital with failed kidneys

Former New Zealand Test star Olsen Filipaina is fighting for his life after being admitted to hospital with failed kidneys.

The ex-Balmain and New Zealand Test star is in ICU at Sydney’s Westmead Hospital on a ventilator, The Mole at the World Wide of Sports has reported.

Filipaina was taken to hospital with a stomach infection a fort night ago but deteriorated in that time, with Olsen’s brother Alf putting out a detailed statement on Facebook.

“His condition improved over a few days regarding the infection, but [the] kidney problem that he has had for many years worsened, to the extent that he had to be transported to Westmead Hospital, where he was to be seen by the kidney specialists,” Alf wrote.

“Over the past few days he’s been up and down and as a result is now in ICU.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with him and the whānau as I know yours will be too.”

Filipaina played seven seasons of rugby league in Australia between 1980 and 1987 for the Balmain Tigers, Eastern Suburbs Roosters and North Sydney Bears.

He also earned caps representing New Zealand and Western Samoa.

Everyone at Serious About Rugby League passes their best wishes on to Filipaina and his family in this tough period of time.