Papua New Guinea multi-sport star Kato Ottio has died suddenly, just weeks before his scheduled departure to take up a rugby league contract in Britain.
Kato Ottio is tackled during the England v PNG 2017 Rugby League World Cup Quarter Final Photo: Photosport / Brendon Ratnayake
Ottio had been awaiting a visa to travel to Britain and was training with the local PNG Hunters side when he collapsed at training over the weekend.
The 23 year old was taken to hospital, but died early this morning.
Ottio represented PNG at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup and also won Pacific Games and Mini-Games gold while playing volleyball.
He had just signed a contract with the Super League club, Widnes Vikings, and was due to play for them this season.
PNG Rugby Football League chairman Sandis Tsaka has extended his condolences to the family of the 24-year-old.
