The 31-year-old prop died yesterday after collapsing during a weight training session in the gym with his team-mates.

The father-of-two had become a hugely popular figure at the Belle Vue club since joining them in 2007.

A post mortem into the death of the Cook Islands international is expected to be held today.

LEAVE YOUR TRIBUTES FOR ADAM WATENE BY CLICKING HERE - WE'LL PUBLISH THEM ALL.

Your tributes to Adam Watene

His death comes just six months after Watene returned to New Zealand following the sudden death of his father.

It is the third tragedy to hit Wakefield this year following the deaths of legendary former players David Topliss and Don Fox.

Watene, who celebrated his 31st birthday only last week, made such an impact at Wakefield that he served as consort to Wakefield deputy mayor Heather Hudson, performing civic duties on her behalf.

A short statement from the club released yesterday read: "The Wakefield Trinity Wildcats are sad to announce the sudden passing of Adam Watene.
"The circumstances surrounding Adam's death were sudden and unexpected.
"Everyone at the Wildcats' thoughts are with Adam's family, and we ask for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time."

Watene came to England with Castleford in 2005 after coming through the youth ranks at the New Zealand Warriors and then moving on to Australian side Burleigh Bears.

The strong-running front-rower played a prominent role as Castleford secured promotion to Super League in his first season and was snapped up by Bradford Bulls.

He made just five substitute appearances for the Bulls, however, and left mid-season to join Wakefield, where he became an instant hit with fans and in the city itself.

Following his father's death in April, Wildcats coach John Kear dedicated their win over Huddersfield in his absence to Watene and his family.

Rugby Football League chief executive Nigel Wood also offered condolences.

He said: "Adam served a number of clubs with distinction during his career and we are shocked and saddened to hear of his sudden and unexpected death. We would like to send our sincere condolences to his family at this sad time.

"During his two years at Wakefield, Adam made a massive impression at the club and was instrumental in helping the club stay in engage Super League in 2006. He will be sadly missed."

Bradford 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 and all our thoughts are with Adam's family at this most difficult of times."

Flowers, scarves and rugby shirts adorned the entrance to the wildcats ground this morning left by fans in tribute to their hero.

Some supporters wrote poignant message on shirts which were tied to railings in front of the turnstiles.

One message read: "The rugby league world has lost one of its nicest players.

"Adam was a true giant both on and off the field.

"He was a gentle giant and a loving family guy."

"Rest in piece big lad and sleep now until you meet with your loved ones again."

"It was a pleasure to watch you play and be in your presence>You will be a great loss to the team but more importantly your family."

Wakefield's deputy mayor, who chose Adam as her consort when she took up the role in May, also paid tribute

She 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. It was a privilege to count him as a friend and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him. We are doing all we can to support his family at this very sad time."

Adam undertook civic duties with Coun Hudson and on her behalf after being made consort.