Whitby boy Jayden Ford, 11, messaged the late Jerry Collins on Facebook two years ago to tell him he idolised him and got a reply.

Former All Black Jerry Collins was a hero to many, but for one young Whitby boy he was so much more.

Eleven-year-old Jayden Ford said Collins was his idol and he wanted to be like him when he grew up.

He wrote to Collins two years ago, telling him he was working on a school project in which he had to talk about a local hero. "Jerry was my local hero, and Michael Campbell. I chose Jerry just because he was a great role model from Porirua."

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In his message, Jayden wrote: "I have chosen you because, when I was at kindergarten, I used to wear a 6 on my back because I wanted to be just like you when I grew up.

"I wanted to wear a black jersey and do the haka like you did because you looked scarey (Scarey Jerry). I wanted to tackle and run like you.

"You were inspirational and tough."

He did not expect a reply.

So when Collins messaged him back just two days later, he said he was "happy and amazed".

Collins' thanked Jayden for his compliments and said it was "my pleasure to have been your local hero growing up".

"Compliments from people are things many people take for granted ... but I thank you ... it made my day and smile on my face."

He signed off: "Much love and thanks Jayden ... from your friend ... Jerry."

Mum Izzy Ford said: "We were so surprised to get a response because Jerry was overseas at the time ... It was amazing that he took the time out of his busy schedule to reply to a little boy in Porirua, but then I guess, he was once that little boy."

Dad Glynn also has fond memories of Collins, as they used to play for the same Norths rugby club.

"He was the pioneer of rugby. He showed that locals from Porirua can make it," Ford said.

"From that first game, I knew he was going to make it. He was a natural leader but he was just a young fella.

"I remember he went around the whole team before the first game to say how honoured he was to play with everyone. After the game, the opposite happened, and everyone was telling him how much of an honour it was to play with him."

His wife said: "Jerry put Porirua on the map ... [and] he always remembered where he was from. He touched so many lives.

"In Porirua, he's our son."