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How Ottio tried to inspire in final moments before death

Yahoo Sport Australia

Details from the final moments of Kato Ottio's young life have emerged, showing how the rugby league star was attempting to inspire teammates with his last actions.

Speaking to Wide World of Sports, Ottio's manager Steve Deacon revealed the former Canberra Raider was taking part in an eight-kilometre road run with players from the Hunters Queensland Cup team.

Kato had been a teammate of many of the Hunters players during his stint with PNG at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

The 23-year-old was implementing the professionalism he'd learned from his stint with the Raiders by pushing his body to the absolute limits in 33-degree heat.

Ottio recently played for PNG at the World Cup. Image: Getty
Ottio recently played for PNG at the World Cup. Image: Getty

“The run was over and a few of the boys walked back while others got a ride,” Deacon said.

"But Kato told a few of the players ‘let’s run back’ - he wanted to use the professionalism he gained from his time at Canberra to rub off on his younger countrymen.

"He got slower and eventually collapsed. He was unconscious and in a coma and they were not able to revive him.

“He passed away early this morning - he was a great guy and I’m just devastated.”

Ottio was due to travel to join UK club Widnes Vikings for pre-season training after signing with them in December.

He was taken to hospital but fell into a coma and never recovered.

After being pronounced dead, his body was taken to his hometown Tatana Village, where it was met by grieving friends and family.

The PNG Hunters team were also in attendance, led by coach Michael Marum.

PNG coach Marum brings his players along to grieve the loss of Ottio. Pic: EMTV
PNG coach Marum brings his players along to grieve the loss of Ottio. Pic: EMTV

They came to show their respects to a a good friend, and an integral member of the Kumul's 2017 Rugby League World Cup campaign.

Marum has called off pre-season training indefinitely for his PNG Hunters side, in order for his players to focus on their mental health.

"Players that spent the last two to three years playing alongside him are still in shocks. We had all been with him for the last two days," Marum said.

"We suspended Hunters training effective as of yesterday when we saw that he (Kato) wasn't well.

"We can't force them to train. They have to go through proper counselling through our pastor."

Ottio was contracted to the Canberra Raiders in 2016, but never played an NRL game.

However he led the try scoring during the 2016 NSW Cup for feeder-side Mounties and scored a try in last year's RLWC

Papua New Guinea captain David Mead led the tributes for his teammate.