Tribute to a great man

He may not have been the biggest name star in the world, but Adam Watene will be always remembered as a player who showed incredible determination and commitment to succeed.nnIt wasn’t just his attitude and professionalism, it was the way he would take time out to talk to anyone and everyone. He was a community man.nnWhen he first joined Castleford from Burleigh Bears, Watene was an unknown entity. By the time he left he was a man on a mission.nnWhen I heard the news on Monday it saddened me to think that rugby league had lost not only a true gentleman, but someone who clearly had that winning mentality and the X-Factor. He was a winner in every sense of the word. It’s just a crying shame that his life has been cut short.nnI remember the affection that the Castleford fans held for him. I was part of the crowd that day in Batley where Watene’s family were present, and his adulation when the Cas’ faithful chanted his name as he walked by the front of the stand.nnAnd it just shows how fantastic the rugby league world is when rival fans can unite and admire a top-class consummate professional as one, and mourn another significant loss to the game.nnIn football, fans would boo a former player who is now at a rival club; not in rugby league. Nobody had a bad word to say about Watene.nnWords can only describe how numbing it is to see someone like Watene pass on. I’m just pleased that I had the pleasure of seeing him play for Castleford, and that he was part of our game – the greatest game in the world. I would hope everyone takes a moment to raise their glass to a great great man.nnMy sincere condolences go out to his family and friends for this incredible loss. He will be sorely missed.