PNG UNITED IN MOURNING A PROMISING KUMUL

I have never seen national unity like these in many years; The 2017 Rugby League World Cup games in Papua New Guinea and now the sudden passing of a great hero and role model Kato Ottio a true PNG Kumuls star.

I was personally devastated with fellow country men and women across our great nation, neighbouring countries and rugby league followers worldwide. I never believed a young soul, a gifted and promising athlete would have been taken away so prematurely by our good Lord.

I never came to meet this great brother Kato, but have followed his career with keen interest and pride that he is a blessing to his single mother, his family, tribe and the nation of PNG. His elevation to become one of the few role models in the sporting arena in PNG is a testimony to all grassroots athletes in our country.

Kato is due to join his new English Super League club Widnes Vikings for the 2018 season following an outstanding performance for the Canberra Raiders in 2017 and his mamagraun in the 2017 RLWC. PNG rugby league followers were left jaw-dropped, many of us didn’t want to accept the fact that he’s gone. I had to call PNG Rugby League to confirm his passing.

PNG is a very diverse country, rugby league has certainly united this nation despite political and financial setbacks. It’s people like Kato Ottio that have set the stage for national unity.

From humble beginings, Kato has rose up to represent PNG in volleyball and later to rugby league. He moved on represent PNG overseas, bringing a large PNG alliance of supporters to his former club Mounties and Canberra Raiders.

Today a nation is mourning, people from all age groups, from all walks of life are reading your life brother Kato. We never expected for you to be lying here lifeless, we were gearing up to celebrate national unity in rugby league. It was a promising year for five of our Kumuls to join English Super League, you were part of them.

You broke our hearts Kato, rugby league would never be interesting for some us without you. Thanks for being a belessing to our beloved sport and beloved country.