Ground-breaking rugby league cult hero Olsen Filipaina has died at the age of 64.

The Kiwi International and star of the Balmain Tigers in the 1980’s passed away at Westmead Hospital after 17 days in ICU due to complications from kidney failure.

Filipaina played 28 tests for New Zealand over a decade-long period and represented Samoa in their inaugural Test match in 1988.

His passing comes just a day after rugby league lost Immortal Johnny Raper at the age of 82.