Wakefield confirm Watene death

5:38pm Monday 13th October 2008

Wakefield have announced the sudden death of prop Adam Watene.

The 31-year-old Cook Islands international is believed to have collapsed after training in the gym on Monday morning.

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."

It continued: "Everyone at the Wildcats' thoughts are with Adam's family, and we ask for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time."

"The club will not be making any further comment at this stage."

Former Castleford front-rower Watene joined the Wildcats in 2006 after a short stint with Bradford.

The strong-running forward caught the eye during Castleford's successful 2005 promotion campaign but he made only five first-team appearances before being allowed to join Wakefield.

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.