Nene Macdonald gives Kato Ottio’s mother a signed Dragons jersey to honour his close friend
FOR Nene Macdonald, it was the perfect way to farewell his close mate Kato Ottio and support his friend’s mother Joyce at a time of unimaginable grief. And the Dragons centre is not stopping there.
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FOR Nene Macdonald, it was the perfect way to farewell his mate — Kato Ottio.
Macdonald thought he’d spend the next 40 years with Ottio, who he forged a close friendship with while playing for Papua New Guinea.
The pair were also set to play together at St George Illawarra this season until Ottio opted to knock back a deal to represent PNG at last year’s World Cup.
Ottio tragically passed away after collapsing from heatstroke during a pre-season road run in Port Moresby in January.
It’s why Macdonald thought it was fitting he gave Ottio’s mother, Joyce, a signed Dragons jersey at his funeral last month.
“It was really tough — she just broke down and gave me a hug,” Macdonald recalls.
“But just I wanted to be there for Kato’s mum. I haven’t known her for that long, but she is like an aunty to me and I wanted to help out.”
A month later, Macdonald’s support for Ottio’s family hasn’t stopped.
With the help of his PNG teammates, the Dragons centre is determined to fulfil Kato’s lifelong goal of building his mother a home.
“That’s what Kato was aiming for,” he said.
“He sacrificed leaving PNG to chase his dream in the NRL and he always looked after his mum.
“Losing Kato so young and talented was devastating, so we want to help his family in any way we can.”
Macdonald says the Kumuls have used Ottio’s devastating death to become closer as a team.
He says this unity was on display at the funeral — where the team and the entire country came together to honour one of their own.
“It was really tough at the funeral, but it was important to see everyone,” he said.
“I’ve become really tight with the PNG boys — it’s a brotherhood and when you go into camp everyone is close and respectful of each other.
“It doesn’t matter who you are they all treat you with so much love.
Absolutely devastated to hear the passing of my Kumul brother Kato Ottio. He was one of most humble and kind hearted people I have ever known. Lau kudougu ai bonoho hanaimu. Forever in my heart. Love you brother Rest In Peace. I will miss you Katzy Mero â¤ï¸ pic.twitter.com/lWSOoPGiMM
— David Mead (@davidmead411) January 8, 2018
“In PNG they do a week of mourning when someone passes for the family and friends to say their goodbyes.
“They have a house cry, where the family has a dinner. I could only go for the weekend, so I went for the viewing and service.
“There were about 7000 people there. It was such a big thing given Kato played for PNG.”
Macdonald says he will dedicate the season to Ottio, while he says his best buddy’s passing has given him valuable perspective.
“It’s sort of a wakeup call,” he said.
“I mean, you’ve got to be grateful.
“I get to do what I love playing football, but you never know when it could be your last day.
“I thought I’d be living with Kato for the next 40 years and catching up with him, but just like that someone so fit and happy just drops.
“I can’t wait to get into the season — my first try will be for Kato.”