Hood in tribute to Watene

7:48pm Monday 13th October 2008

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Chairman Peter Hood today expressed his sadness at the sudden and tragic death of former Bulls prop Adam Watene.

The Wakefield Trinity Wildcats star, who played with Bradford in 2006, is believed to have collapsed after weight training in the gym this morning.

Watene was just 31 and celebrated his birthday only a week ago.

Hood said: “It is always a tragedy when any young life is lost. Although he was not here for long, Adam became part of the extended Bulls ‘family’. We are deeply shock-ed and all our thoughts are with Adam’s family at this most difficult of times.”

The powerful front-rower joined Bradford after helping Castleford win promotion to Super League in 2005.

He made his debut at St Helens in March the following year and featured in the next three games but was soon allowed a move to Wakefield due to rich competition for places at Odsal.

However, Watene quickly established himself at the Wildcats and proved one of Super League’s form props in 2007.

Earlier this year, he was given compassionate leave to travel to New Zealand following the death of his father and boss John Kear dedicated their victory over Huddersfield in his absence to Watene and his family.

The Cook Islands international later fractured a cheekbone and missed two months of action, with Wakefield failing to win a match while he was out.

Watene managed just ten games, returning for the club’s final two fixtures of the campaign, his last match coming against champions Leeds Rhinos at Belle Vue last month.

He is survived by his wife and two children.

A short statement from Wakefield 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.”