The Ottio family have thanked the country and the rugby league world for all the support given since Kato’s passing last week.
Speaking on behalf of the family yesterday afternoon, a relative from Kato’s mother’s side, Opao Udia, said Kato’s family will forever be thankful.
“I’d like to take this time to say thank you.
“Particularly to the Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, who was the first to send his condolences, the PNG Rugby Football League, the PNG Kumuls coach, Michael Marum, the Hunters and Kumuls players plus the Widnes Vikings and Canberra Raiders.
“Also to the Sports Minister and vice minister and the sporting fraternity in PNG, rugby league sponsors, fans and supporters all over the country.
“Thank you to the friends of the late Kato Ottio, the Tatana and Koiari families for their expression of sorrow, words of condolences up until today when we laid him to rest.
“Our family is very thankful for all your support that you have given us through words of encouragement and the donations received, it all helped in one way or another through this difficult time.
“Thank you to the people of PNG and also abroad. Thank you.”