Kato Ottio: Widnes Vikings rugby league star dies aged 23

The Widnes Vikings wing only joined the club from Canberra in December.

He was due to travel to the UK next week in preparation for the start of the Super League season in February.

"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," said Widnes chief executive James Rule.

"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.

"Having only learned this morning that Kato had developed a sudden health issue whilst training yesterday, we are in absolute shock to now receive this tragic news.

"We will be liaising closely with his loved ones to offer them our condolences and support at this difficult time.

"Widnes Vikings will of course be looking to celebrate Kato's life and pay our sincere respects to someone who we believe would have become a hero at our club.

"Whilst we are coming to terms with this news, and still learning the full facts of this situation, we are unable to comment further at this time."

Ottio was part of the Papua New Guinea side that lost to England in the World Cup quarter-finals back in November.

Widnes head coach Denis Betts, who is also assistant England coach, said: "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.

"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.

"On behalf of the coaching team, staff and players at Widnes Vikings, I would like to offer our sincere condolences to Kato's loved ones."

Huddersfield centre Jordan Turner, who played with Ottio in Australia, said on his Instagram account: "Devastated to hear the news of kato's passing, some very fond memories with him from my time in Canberra.

"Legend of a bloke. Will be truly missed and was a Superleague star in the making. My thoughts go out to his family. RIP Brother."