ADAM WATENESuper League player Adam Watene, collapsed and died after a gym session on 12 October, 2008 - just a week after his 31st birthday.The Cook Islands-born sports star was a player with Wakefield Wildcats and first played in England in 2005.Adam Watene was born on 7 October, 1977.His career flourished with the New Zealand Warriors and then Australian side Burleigh Bears. After leaving for the UK, he joined Castleford Tigers, helping them gain promotion before leaving to play for the Bradford Bulls.But he only played five games for the Bulls, moving to Wakefield Wildcats (formerly Wakefield Trinity), becoming a star player and emerging as a first choice prop.He won a new contract in 2007 but in June 2008 missed two months out injured with a fractured cheekbone, playing just 10 games in the season.The club paid tribute in a statement, saying: "The 16 and a half stone powerhouse prop was the cornerstone of the Wildcats' drive to safety towards the end of Super League XI."The Cook Islands International had good pace, tremendous power and an exceptionally quick play-of-the-ball."Br adford chairman Peter Hood paid tribute, saying: "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 shocked."RFL chief executive Nigel Wood said: "Adam served a number of clubs with distinction during his career. During his two years at Wakefield, Adam made a massive impression at the club and was instrumental in helping the club stay in Super League in 2006. He will be sadly missed."Wakefield team-mate Danny Brough, said: "I've only known Adam a year or so but he was a great bloke and family man. I'm going to miss him terribly."In his spare time he was involved in local civic life - acting as the deputy mayor's consort.Coun Heather Hudson, deputy mayor of Wakefield, said: "We are all devastated by Adam's sudden death. He was a close family friend and I was proud to have him as my consort."Mr Watene left a wife and two children.
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