Raiders sign Ottio

 CANEBRRA: One of the NRL’s most unlikely and unique recruiting moves is complete, with the Raiders signing former Papua New Guinea volleyball representative Kato Ottio to a two-year deal.

The 21-year-old had not played rugby league at any level until two years ago, when he was spotted playing volleyball by the SP PNG Hunters in Queensland’s Intrust Super Cup.

After catching the eye of the Raiders recruiting staff while playing for the Hunters, Ottio was then signed to a training contract with Canberra over the 2015/16 off season.

Ottio again impressed in the Auckland Nines competition early this month, proving a key threat in attack with his size (192cm, 106kg) and has now been offered a two-year deal to stay in Canberra.

It caps a remarkable journey for Ottio, who has now set his sights on an NRL first grade debut, and financially supporting his family in PNG.

“My first goal is to play in the top grade, and to buy my mum a house,” Ottio, who has represented his country as a Kumul and in the Prime Minister’s XIII, said.

“I’m a village boy, a local boy, I only grew up with my mum. My dad passed away when I was 14, and my mum (who raised me) means the world to me.

“She looked after me when I was a kid, and I’m so grateful, so I want to work hard while I’m here and make the most out of this chance.”

But Ottio said he knows he has only just started his journey to a spot in the back row in the Raiders first grade side.

A quick learner and a natural all-round athlete much like Raiders squad mate and Torres Strait Islander Edrick Lee, Ottio can also play in the centres and on the wing as he did with the Hunters last year.

“When the Raiders called me up for the train and try [contract], it was a great opportunity for me, [but] I’ve still got a lot more to do, and I will fight for it until I get it.”

Hunters coach Michael Marum said aside from Ottio’s physical attributes, the part Bougainville and Central man, had the mental fortitude to be successful.

“He only spent a year with us but I could tell straight away that he was one of guys who had the right attitude and was committed to be a better player,” Marum said.

“He’s come a long way in a short space of time but he’s still got a lot of work to do to make Ricky Stuart’s first grade side. I know the Raiders coaching staff will identify those areas he needs to improve on but I’m sure he’ll do well because he’s the type of person that’s always trying to learn and do better.”  

Raiders football manager John Bonasera said the club had been impressed by Ottio’s work ethic since arriving in Canberra.

“From the minute he arrived he put in a determined effort and met all of our expectations and we believe he has great potential for growth,” Bonasera said.

“Kato displays a strong set of values and a willingness to work hard in order to succeed.”

Ottio will be looking to follow in the footsteps of other PNG-born NRL stars, including Marcus Bai (Melbourne Storm) Adrian Lam (Sydney Roosters) and Neville Costigan (Brisbane Broncos/St George Illawarra Dragons/Newcastle Knights).  – ABC News