Clubs salute Ottio

THE death of Kumul Kato Ottio has seen the rugby league community express shock with the budding centre acknowledged by clubs in Australia and England.
Ottio, whose death yesterday morning, about 36 hours after collapsing during a training run on Sunday, sent shock waves through the clubs he was involveded with in his short professional career.
Although he never got to make his NRL debut for the Canberra Raiders, Ottio was a prolific try scorer for their feeder side the Mounties in the NSW Cup.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart said news of Ottio’s death had left him stunned.
“Receiving the devastating news this morning knocked me for six. It was hard to believe given the age of Kato and how I remembered him here, I am really lost for words,” Stuart said.
“Kato was an important part of our club and very close mate to all our boys and staff. He was very close to his family and my heart and prayers go out to them. I just could not imagine what they are going through at this moment.”
Raiders teammates yesterday took to social media to pay tribute to Ottio.
Raiders forward Elliott Whitehead said Ottio would be sorely missed.
“Such sad news this morning hearing about Kato passing away,” Elliott said on Instagram.
“One guy who has always had a smile on his face. Loved my time with him at Raiders. RIP mate, gone way too soon.”
Blake Austin echoed the sentiments of his teammates.
“Shattered to hear the news about Katsy. Wasn’t a day he wasn’t smiling, gone way too soon. Prayers with all his family,” Austin posted to his Instagram account. Ottio left the Raiders at the end of the 2017 season to take up a Super League contract with Widnes Vikings.
Vikings chief executive officer James Rule said Ottio’s death had shocked the club.
“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,” Rule said in a statement.
“This news is all the more tragic, because Kato was due to travel to the UK this week to fulfil his dream of playing first-grade rugby league.
“We had been in regular contact with Kato and were excited to welcome a bright, excited and passionate young man, who had genuine potential for the future.”
Vikings head coach Denis Betts said Ottio had been primed to join his new club after a successful Rugby League World Cup campaign in November.
“To receive 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,” Betts said.
“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.”