Papua New Guinea multi‑sport star Kato Ottio has died suddenly, just weeks before his scheduled departure to take up a rugby league contract in Britain.
Ottio had been awaiting a visa to travel to Britain and was training with the local PNG Hunters side when he collapsed at training over the weekend.
He was taken to the hospital but died early this morning.
Ottio represented PNG at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup and also won Pacific Games and Mini‑Games gold while playing volleyball.
He had just signed a contract with the Super League club, Widnes Vikings, and was due to play for them this season.
PNG Rugby Football League chairman Sandis Tsaka has extended his condolences to the family of the 24‑year‑old.
We are extremely shocked and saddened at the sudden passing of Kumul #269 Kato Ottio. PNGRFL statement: https://t.co/2oNkReWvpo #PNG #rugbyleague pic.twitter.com/Yz1OvFMWKM
— PNG Kumuls (@PNGKumulsRL) January 8, 2018
Source: Radio NZ
