Giant of a man

AS a professional sportsman, Paul Whatuira had the world at his feet. He was paid for playing a sport that he loved – and he was not afraid to use his physical strength to overcome those who stood in his way on the rugby league pitch.

By The Newsroom

Published 12th Feb 2010, 20:00 BST

Updated 12th Feb 2010, 20:00 BST

Yet his happiness at Huddersfield Giants, and his domestic bliss at home, masked the seriousness of a mental illness that had been gnawing away at the Super League star since his traumatic childhood in New Zealand.

It culminated in this placid player, a gentle giant, attacking two strangers in an unprovoked assault last year – an incident that forced the 28-year-old to come to terms with his inner demons.

He's not the first role model to face such a predicament. Nor will he be last. But what makes Mr Whatuira's story so inspiring is his

acceptance of his mental illness, a condition still regarded by many as a taboo subject, and his determination to reach out to others who may be suffering in silence.

In many respects, Paul Whatuira will be judged by his performances for the Giants – but no feat on the pitch will ever match the courage he has shown in confronting the past and also inspiring others.