Kato Ottio

James Rule, the Chief Executive of Widnes Vikings in a statement spoke about the loss of Kato and expressed the clubs condolences.

“On behalf of Widnes Vikings, the club that was proud to be welcoming him into its family, I would like to take this opportunity to reach out to our friends In Papua New Guinea, who we are united with in grief.

“Widnes Vikings have long recognised the incredible playing talent within Papua New Guinea. Our belief in the players of your nation was affirmed by the incredible performance by the Kumuls at the Rugby League World Cup.

In a statement share the same grief and sadness as all other Papua New Guinean sports supporters at the sudden passing of PNG Kumul centre, Kato Ottio.

Ottio is remembered as a very talented individual who excelled in the sporting codes which he participated in. He was one of the few athletes to win Gold medals for Team PNG in two different sports.

Before dawning the Kumul jersey, Ottio was a member of the history-making Men's Volleyball team that claimed Gold in Wallis & Futuna in 2013 during the Pacific Mini Games.

James Rule, CEO of Widnes Vikings, says: “We are devastated to learn that Kato Ottio has passed away this afternoon. Kato was an incredibly talented player, with a bright future ahead of him in Rugby League.

Ottio’s career was just taking off with the 23 year old due to leave England this Thursday along with Wellington Albert after signing with Super League club, Widnes Vikings.

Chairman of the PNGRFL, Sandis Tsaka said Kato’s death had come as shock to all, adding the PNGRFL had been with him all the way since he was hospitalized last Sunday up until late last night.

“We did everything we could to make sure he was well looked after. We were hoping for a full recovery but unfortunately he passed on.

“We share this time of sadness and grief with the immediate family of the Late Kato Ottio, truly humble individual and a rugby league icon and champion.

“Our condolences also to the Rugby League fraternity on the loss of a very promising young talent and a great ambassador of the game.

Both leaders urged citizens to refrain from making assumptions at this early stage adding that it is very important that the cause of death is priority, and a complete investigation is conducted.

Coach of the Hunters, Michael Marum explained the players will need time off to help deal with Ottio’s sudden passing early this morning.

All 32 players in the train-on squad led by Marum were at Tatana village this morning and with the body of their former teammate then led the convoy of vehicles out to the Funeral Home.

“Players that spent the last two to three years playing alongside him are still in shock. We had all been with him for the last two days.

 “We suspended Hunters training effective as of yesterday when we saw that he (Kato) wasn’t well.

The PNG Rugby Football League confirmed the death of the 23 year old flyer saying more details will be released later today.

Ottio’s body will be taken from his village of Tatana to the Funeral Home at 9:30am this morning.

Chairman of the PNGRFL, Sandis Tsaka said funeral arrangements are being discussed with the family and will be advised in due course.

He extended his condolences on behalf of the PNG Rugby League fraternity to the family of late Ottio of his sudden and untimely death.

The 22-year-old Papua New Guinean was a standout in the Intrust Super Premiership last season, scoring 29 tries from just 23 appearances on the right wing to earn a spot in the competition's Team of the Year. 

Unfortunately for the Mounties star, his season came to a premature end after he suffered a serious injury to his right knee in the qualifying final, ruling him out of his side's charge to the ISP grand final. 

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