Kato was one of PNG’s best, coach Marum says

The National Sports

By ISAAC LIRI
TO inspire someone is special, the legacy remains through time.
While another year has begun with sports looking forward to the new challenges, the unexpected has happened, breaking the hearts of many.
The rugby community both domestically and internationally mourns the passing of one of PNG’s national treasures in sport and rugby league, late Kato Ottio, at the age of 23.
The news of the untimely passing spread like wildfire, and touched many as it is no surprise that someone special like him is truly an inspiration.
Young upcoming talents in PNG who dream of one day representing PNG were looking up to Ottio as an icon.
According to coach Michael Marum, Ottio was a classic example of the success of the PNG Hunters programme; he showed every aspiring footballer in PNG that there is a pathway and all you have to do is be dedicated and disciplined.
“He made his way into the PNG Hunters programme in 2014 after being spotted with the Southern zone team in the national championships,” Marum said.
“I coached him in 2015 when he joined the Hunters. He was one of the most humble and disciplined players. He was one of PNG’s best players.”
Former PNG Rugby Football League chief executive officer Brad Tassel, who was there when Ottio was recruited into the Hunters, poured his heart out describing the PNG Kumuls centre not only as a special player but a special person in general.
“From the moment I first saw you and spoke to you I knew you were special. Humble, driven and filled with so much love for your family, your mates and your country,” Tassel said.
“You never complained, you always gave a hundred and you always supported your team mates. You had a fire in your eyes and a desire in your heart unlike any I have seen.
“We talk about role models like they are an everyday cup of coffee and throw out that line so often, but in your case you defined what a role model is for your people, your nation and for every kid in the village throwing a Coke bottle or footy around wanting to be the next Kato Ottio.
“You showed these kids that with drive, passion, dedication and determination anything is possible,” Marum said.
Ottio was not only a rugby league star but a national representative in volleyball and helped PNG win gold in the 2013 Mini Pacific Games in Wallis and Futuna.