PNG league star dies

A Papua New Guinea Rugby League World Cup star has died while training ahead of a move to English Super League club Widnes.

Kato Ottio, 23, joined the Widnes Vikings in December from NRL club the Canberra Raiders.

The Widnes club said Ottio, who was due to leave for England next week, had ‘‘a sudden health issue’’ in training on Monday.

‘‘Kato was an incredibly talented player with a bright future ahead of him,’’ Widnes chief executive James Rule said. ‘‘This news is all the more tragic, because Kato was due to travel to the UK this week to fulfil his dream of playing first-grade rugby league.

‘‘We had been in regular contact with Kato and were excited to welcome a bright, excited and passionate young man, who had genuine potential for the future.

‘‘Having only learned this morning that Kato had developed a sudden health issue whilst training yesterday, we are in absolute shock to now receive this tragic news. We will be liaising closely with his loved ones to offer them our condolences and support ...

‘‘Widnes Vikings will of course be looking to celebrate Kato’s life and pay our sincere respects to someone who we believe would have become a hero at our club.’’

Widnes head coach Denis Betts said the ‘‘tragic news [of Ottio’s death] is heartbreaking All of us saw at the World Cup the incredible gifts that Kato had, and his potential to forge a great career in rugby league.’’