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Wakefield Trinity star Adam Watene dead at 31
WAKEFIELD Trinity prop Adam Watene has died after collapsing in training less than a week after his 31st birthday.
The Cook Islander died earlier today while he and his team-mates were involved in a weight training session in the gym.
Watene joined Wakefield in 2006 after spells with Castleford and Bradford and was a hugely popular character at Belle Vue. The tragedy comes just six months after Watene returned to New Zealand following the sudden death of his father.
A short statement from the club read: "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."
In April this year Watene was given compassionate leave to travel to New Zealand following the death of his father.
Coach John Kear dedicated their win over Huddersfield in his absence to Watene and his family.
Watene is survived by his wife and two children.
ADAM WATENE FACTFILE
1977: Born on October 7.
2005: The prop forward comes to Britain from Australia to join Castleford and helps the Tigers gain promotion to Super League.
October - Watene leaves the Tigers to join Bradford Bulls.
2006: May - Having made only five appearances for the Bulls, Watene moves on again, this time signing for Wakefield Wildcats. He quickly establishes himself as a first-choice pick.
2007: Watene is one of Wakefield's most impressive performers, playing in 27 matches. He is awarded a new two-year contract in June.
2008: April - Watene is granted compassionate leave and returns to New Zealand following the death of his father.
May - Appointed as consort to the deputy mayor of Wakefield.
June - Fractures his cheekbone in a victory over Hull KR and is out for two months, during which time the Wildcats do not win a match. He is limited to 10 appearances during the season, scoring two tries.
October 13 - Watene dies at the age of 31.
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Tuesday 22 May 2012
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