The Papua New Guinea Hunters rugby league team has paid tribute to former teammate Kato Ottio last week, marking two years since his passing.
Hunters players visit the grave site of Kato Ottio Photo: PNG HUNTERS
The 23-year-old, who played six games for the Kumuls from 2015-17, died after collapsing while training with the PNG Hunters in January 2018.
Ottio spent two seasons playing for NRL's Canberra Raiders and signed a two year deal with the English club Widnes Vikings a month prior to his death.
Hunters coach Matthew Church said visiting Ottio's village was a moving experience.
PNG Hunters coach Matt Church Photo: PNG HUNTERS
"I didn't know Kato myself personally but I knew his story. It was a good ackowledgement for our guys in the squad who knew him and quite a touching experience for them [and] quite emotional for a few of them," he said.
"It was definitely moving for them and moving for me and gave me a greater sense of what the Hunters are and what the Hunters are about."
The squad was greeted by the village on Tatana Island on Saturday and was taken to the family home where a service was held.
Church said Ottio was an inspiration for current and rookie Hunters players and that visiting his gravesite gave a sense of connection.
"It's a really good connection for those guys to know that someone like him has left a bit of a legacy with the club and with PNG rugby league."
"They [Ottio's family and the village] were very welcoming and very humble with their time."
PNG Hunters visit the Ottio family home Photo: PNG HUNTERS
