We’re all shocked by Ottio tragedy
Wellington were going to live. To get this news is devastating, and our thoughts are with his family.” Ottio made his Papua New Guinea debut against Fiji in May 2015 and went on to earn six caps. He played in all three of their group games in Port Moresby during the World Cup in the autumn and scored a try in their thumping 50-6 win over Wales.
His final international game was the quarter-final defeat by England in Melbourne on November 19.
Widnes have set up an online fund-raising scheme to support Ottio’s family and say they will make their own private donation.
The club have also announced there will be a bucket collection at Friday’s pre-season friendly against Whitehaven, before which there will be a minute’s silence.
Widnes chief executive James Rule said: “Wellington Albert sent me an email with the horrendous news that he’d passed away.
“We’re all numb and pretty much in shock here. It happened very quickly.
“The physicality, his raw physical attributes, would have made him a hero with our supporters.
“There was potential for him to be a real star of the game outside of just our fanbase.”
PNG Hunters coach Michael Marum said of Albert: “We will make sure Wellington is in the right mind before he leaves here. Currently his mind is not right so we are trying to give him assistance.
“Not only Wellington but the other players as well.”
Players throughout the game paid tribute to Ottio, with new Warrington signing Sitaleki Akauola saying: “I didn’t know Kato personally but we crossed paths on the footy field and at the end of the day we are one big rugby family. Condolences to friends and family.”