Yet, three decades on, it is the rugby hall of famer's ability to inspire a new generation of Pacific and Maori kids off the field, which has earned him a knighthood in this year's Queen's Birthday honours.
Chuffed with the honour, Sir Michael has been recognised for setting up community trusts and even a high school, designed to help Pacific kids in New Zealand complete their education and achieve their goals.
The former west Auckland Kiwi-Samoan boy says the idea is to show Pacific kids they have support and are part of a wider team.
