Tragic loss for Widnes

WIDNES are mourning the death of Kato Ottio, who was due to play for them in 2018. The Vikings signed the Papua New Guinea star, 23, after he impressed with performances against Wales, Ireland and England in last year’s World Cup. Ottio, primarily a centre, was due to fly to the UK this week to begin training with Widnes ahead of their first game of the Super League season against Catalan Dragons on February 4. In a statement, the club’s head coach Denis Betts said: ‘This tragic news is heart-breaking. 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. ‘Moreover, in all of our interactions with him, we found Kato to be a person of great character, who was excited to be following his dreams. On behalf of the coaching team, staff and players at Widnes Vikings, I’d like to offer our sincere condolences to Kato’s loved ones.’