Post by Natty on Oct 13, 2008 16:34:58 GMT -1
SUPER LEAGUE is reeling after the sudden death of Wakefield star Adam Watene at the age of 31.
The Wildcats prop was training in a gym in Wakefield this morning when he collapsed with a suspected heart attack and died.
Watene, who leaves a wife and two children, had only recently returned to action after three months out with cruciate ligament damage.
A statement from the club said: "The Wakefield Trinity Wildcats are sad to announce the sudden passing of Adam Watene.
"The circumstances surrounding Adam's death were sudden and unexpected.
"Everyone at the Wildcats' thoughts are with Adam's family, and we ask for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time.
"There will be no further comment from the club at this stage."
Coach John Kear declined to comment, saying he wanted to give Watene's family time to grieve.
The tragedy comes just six months after Watene returned to New Zealand following the death of his father.
Watene, whose older brother Frank plays for National League side Halifax, was far from the typical player.
The Cook Island-born star acted as consort to Wakefield Council's deputy mayor Heather Hudson in his spare time.
Hudson asked close friend Watene to take on the role because her councillor husband Clive was unable to do it.
Watene, who only celebrated his 31st birthday last week, returned from injury for the last two games of the season - his third season with the club.
He helped Castleford win promotion to Super League in 2005 before joining Bradford Bulls.
But he only played a handful of games for them before moving to Wakefield in 2006.
The 6ft 2in, 17st prop was named player of the year in 2007 but was restricted to just 10 appearances this season because of injuries.
r.i.p
The Wildcats prop was training in a gym in Wakefield this morning when he collapsed with a suspected heart attack and died.
Watene, who leaves a wife and two children, had only recently returned to action after three months out with cruciate ligament damage.
A statement from the club said: "The Wakefield Trinity Wildcats are sad to announce the sudden passing of Adam Watene.
"The circumstances surrounding Adam's death were sudden and unexpected.
"Everyone at the Wildcats' thoughts are with Adam's family, and we ask for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time.
"There will be no further comment from the club at this stage."
Coach John Kear declined to comment, saying he wanted to give Watene's family time to grieve.
The tragedy comes just six months after Watene returned to New Zealand following the death of his father.
Watene, whose older brother Frank plays for National League side Halifax, was far from the typical player.
The Cook Island-born star acted as consort to Wakefield Council's deputy mayor Heather Hudson in his spare time.
Hudson asked close friend Watene to take on the role because her councillor husband Clive was unable to do it.
Watene, who only celebrated his 31st birthday last week, returned from injury for the last two games of the season - his third season with the club.
He helped Castleford win promotion to Super League in 2005 before joining Bradford Bulls.
But he only played a handful of games for them before moving to Wakefield in 2006.
The 6ft 2in, 17st prop was named player of the year in 2007 but was restricted to just 10 appearances this season because of injuries.
r.i.p