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Rugby League

Tributes pour in for Watene

14/10/2008

Wakefield Head Coach John Kear and several senior rugby league officials have offered their condolences to the family of Wakefield prop Adam Watene, who died of a suspected heart attack yesterday.

The Cook Islands international forward collapsed on his 32nd birthday after a gym session on Monday morning and was pronounced dead shortly afterwards in an event that has shocked the sport as a whole.

The tributes were lead by Wildcats Head Coach Kear who said:

"We are all absolutely shocked and deeply saddened by Adam’s death.

"Adam was a leader on and off the pitch for us and we have lost not only a fantastic player but a true gentleman in every sense of the word.

"Adam was very much a family man, and we are immensely sad that his wife Moana has lost a devoted husband and his children their doting father.

"As a club we plan to honour Adam’s memory as we come to terms with his loss."

And the news has been greeted with widespread sadness throughout the sport.

Peter Hood, the chairman of Bradford Bulls - where Watene spent half a season in 2006 before joining the Wildcats - said: "It is always a tragedy when any young life is lost.

"Although he was not here for long, Adam became part of the extended Bulls 'family'.

"We are deeply shocked and all our thoughts are with Adam's family at this most difficult of times."

Rugby Football League chief executive Nigel Wood added: "Adam served a number of clubs with distinction during his career and we are shocked and saddened to hear of his sudden and unexpected death.

"We would like to send our sincere condolences to his family at this sad time.

"During his two years at Wakefield, Adam made a massive impression at the club and was instrumental in helping the club stay in Super League in 2006. He will be sadly missed."