SUCH was Kato Ottio’s love for his country and Papua New Guinea’s national rugby league side, the rising 23-year-old NRL star knocked back a contract with St George Illawarra to play in last year’s Rugby League World Cup.

Ottio’s brother, Ahulo Ottio Jnr, revealed details of the Dragons offer to his younger brother while delivering the eulogy at Ottio’s funeral on Friday.

The Kumuls star died of heatstroke on Monday after collapsing during an 8km run at a training session with Queensland Cup side the PNG Hunters.

Kato Ottio's mother, Joyce, is comforted at the funeral as she hugs the casket. Source: Supplied

About 2000 mourners packed Port Moresby’s Sir John Guise Indoor Complex to farewell Ottio and hear Ahulo honour his brother.

“I’m not sure a lot of people know this but (Kato) had the option to join St George but the contract came with a condition for him to forgo the World Cup and clean out his ACL surgery,” Ahulo said.

“He told me about it and I lost count of the times I begged him to take up the Saints’ offer and forget the World Cup. I even lobbied mum to talk him out of it but it was all in vain.

“His response was with a smile and a giggle. He said ‘yes bro, that’s true, but I want to play in front of my people. We don’t know when the World Cup will come back to Papua New Guinea and this is my only chance’.”

Teammates stand around Kato Ottio's casket after carrying him into the funeral service at Port Moresby. Source: Supplied

Kato Ottio in his PNG jersey ahead of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. Picture: David Buller/NRL Imagery Source: Supplied

“Seeing him out there in a band of brothers was something no-one can put a dollar to and I’m proud he did what he did and played for his country.”

Ottio’s casket was carried in to the service by teammates before being placed on an altar draped in the red, yellow and black of the Kumuls.

In emotional scenes, Ottio’s mother, Joyce, tearfully hugged the casket before being led to her seat.

PNG Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and PNG Rugby Football League boss Reatau Rau were also at the funeral to honour Ottio, who was also a keen volleyball and aussie rules player before returning to league in 2014.

Ahulo said Ottio’s rise in rugby league had been swift and thanked the wider rugby league community for looking after his brother.

Kato Ottio was farewelled by thousands of mourners. Source: Supplied

“Being asked by Mal (Meninga) to join camp was one of the most exciting times. He couldn’t believe it and we couldn’t believe it. Straight from suburban cup to the PNG PM’s XIII to play Australia (in 2014),” he said.

“Being away from family was one thing but being in a foreign country compounded his loneliness. But thanks to the wonderful support of the Raiders the transition was made much easier.

“I am lost for words at how such a person as young as you could have touched the lives of so many people without ever even meeting them. You still had so much to offer which is what tears me inside.”

Mourners look on at the funeral for Kato Ottio in Port Moresby. Source: Supplied

A statement by Kumuls captain and NRL star David Mead was read out at the service.

“Kato was one of the most humble gentleman and kind-hearted people I’ve ever met,” the statement read.

“Everyday at training he would have the big smile on his face and was always joking with the boys.

“I will miss you Kato. May you rest in peace.”

Ottio was signed to the Raiders from 2015 to 2017. Although he never made his NRL debut, Ottio was a prolific tryscorer for Canberra’s feeder side Mounties.

The young star finished up with the Raiders at the end of last year before signing a deal to join the Widnes Vikings in the UK Super League in 2018 and had been due to join his new club next week.