Canberra Raiders centre Kato Ottio has signed for Super League side Widnes Vikings.
The 23-year-old Papua New Guinea international is the second player this week to earn a Super League deal on the back of an impressive showing at the World Cup, following Fiji prop Ben Nakubuwai's move to Salford from Gold Coast.
Ottio was an ever-present as PNG won their group before losing to England in the quarter-finals.
Although he featured at centre in the World Cup, he was a prolific try-scorer on the wing for NSW Cup team Mount Pritchard Mounties and could fill the void created by the departure of Corey Thompson.
"Kato is a fantastic signing who we are delighted to welcome to Widnes Vikings," said Vikings head coach Denis Betts.
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"He is a big outside back with World Cup experience. I am excited by the quality that he will add to our edges.
"Kato is a player whose qualities we have seen during the World Cup. I have also spoken to several people in the NRL and connected to Canberra Raiders during my time at the tournament who rate him very highly."
