Death of rugby league star unites PNG

The shackles of regionalism and tribalism that so divided Papua New Guinea have been broken.

Tears fell freely for most. A moment they shall never forget, as s the death of our champion brought together a nation.

It has taken the life of a 23-year-old rugby league star to do that.
Papua New Guinea international Kato Ottio died on Tuesday after he collapsed at training in Port Moresby.

The sight that moved everyone to tears. Joyce Ottio, mother of Kumuls' superstar Kato Ottio, is comforted by Widnes Vikings-bound Wellington Albert after the funeral service at Sir John Guise Stadium. Ottio and Albert were to have left for England on Thursday, but for Ottio's death.

Ottio spent the last two years with the Canberra Raiders and had just signed with English Super League club Widnes Vikings following his stellar World Cup campaign.
Thousands of people gathered at the Sir John Guise Indoor Stadium on Friday to pay their final respects to a young man who had so touched our lives with his performance during the World Cup.

Hunters' and Kumuls' coach Michael Marum breaks down as he hands Kato Ottio's red, black and gold jumper to his mother Joyce Ottio at Friday's funeral service.

Tears fell freely for most, a moment they shall never forget, as the death of our champion brought together a nation.

We came together. All shackles of regionalism and tribalism broken. It had taken the life of a young man, who touched us all with his rugby league skills, to bring us together.

Ottio and PNG Kumuls' teammate Wellington Albert were to have left for England on Thursday after signing up with the Vikings last month.

He ain't heavy, he's my brother: Kumuls' team mates carry the casket of Kato Ottio out of the Sir John Guise Stadium.

Ottio will be buried at his Tatana village in Port Moresby next Tuesday.

Farewell Kato Ottio. Thank you for the wonderful memories.

Respect: Hundreds line up Sir John Guise Drive as the hearse carrying the body of Kato Ottio leaves after the funeral service at the indoor stadium.