John Kear, coach for the Wakefield Wildcats, has spoken of his desire to plan a fitting and “lasting tribute” to Adam Watene, the Cook Islands forward who died suddenly this week after collapsing whilst training. It is believed that he died after working out in the gymnasium as part of the team’s training schedule.

Watene was just 31 years old and his tragic death has shocked the club as well as the wider community. He joined the Wakefield Wildcats after playing for Castleford Tigers and Bradford Bulls. He excelled during Castleford’s successful promotion campaign in 2005.

The friendly, lively player was an instant hit among fans and he consistently showed a desire to be an integral part of the local community. Indeed, he became Deputy Mayor of Wakefield’s Consort, and worked tirelessly to further the cause of the Wildcats' Community Programmes.

Watene was also a devoted father and husband and Kear was quick to point this out: “Adam was very much a family man, and we are immensely sad that his wife Moana has lost a devoted husband and his children their doting father”.

Family was extremely important to Watene and he took compassionate leave earlier this year in order to visit New Zealand after the death of his father.

The Super League club released a statement on Monday revealing the tragic passing of their star forward: “The Wakefield Trinity Wildcats are sad to announce the sudden passing of Adam Watene”. The Wildcats have already been rocked by two tragedies this year, with the deaths of ex-players, David Topliss and Don Fox.

However, the untimely death of Watene, who still had so much left to give to the sport and to the community, has hit particularly hard. The club are now trying to think of a suitable tribute to a man who influenced so many and became such a key part of the local community. It is difficult, in many respects, to think of a tribute that could adequately show respect to such a brilliant player, described as “a true gentleman in every sense of the word”.

Ex-players and important figures in the sporting world have been quick to offer their words of sympathy. Dave Woods, a journalist for BBC Sport, spoke of Watene’s popularity, both at club level and in the city as a whole.

The chairman of Bradford Bulls, Peter Hood, spoke of the immediate impact that Watene had on his club: “although he was not here for long, Adam became part of the extended Bulls family”. Hood continued to state that his death had left all the players “shocked” and deeply saddened.

The Chief Executive of the Rugby Football League, Nigel Wood, also expressed similar sentiments. He spoke of his personal sadness at the news and paid tribute to the player by reminiscing about his impact upon the sport: “Adam served a number of clubs with distinction during his career and will be sadly missed. During his two years at Wakefield, he made a massive impression and was instrumental in helping the club”.

Written by Charlotte Cook