British Super League club Widnes has raised nearly $US9,500 worth of pledges for the family of the late Papua New Guinea player Kato Ottio.
Kato Ottio represented PNG in Rugby League and Volleyball Photo: RNZ Pacific / Melvin Levongo
Ottio died this week after collapsing while training in Port Moresby.
He had just signed for the Widnes Vikings and was preparing to depart for the upcoming season when he died.
In 2017 Ottio had represented PNG at the Rugby League World Cup and had earlier been a member of the national volleyball team.
In response to his death the Widnes club launched a Crowdfunder page to raise money for his family.
Widnes CEO James Rule said the club was devastated to learn of Ottio's passing and that he was an incredibly talented player with a bright future ahead of him.
Widnes coach, Denis Betts, also described Ottio as a person of great character who was excited to be following his dreams.
The club offered its condolences to the Ottio family.