Wildcats in Watene shirt tribute

Watene passed away in October after collapsing during a weights session

Wakefield captain Jason Demetriou will wear the number eight shirt next season in memory of his late team-mate Adam Watene, who passed away in October.

Demetriou was a close friend of Watene, 31, who died after collapsing during a training session in October.

"There was talk of the shirt been rested, but I felt that was something Adam won't want," Demetriou told BBC Radio Leeds.

"I felt if I carried his number I'd have a part of him with me as well."

Demetriou added: "Adam was a guy who loved playing rugby and loved being out there with the boys.

"So I decided if the number was going to be out there I'd be more than honoured to wear it.

We feel it's a very fitting tribute as Jason was a very close family friend of Adam's

Wakefield head coach John Kear

"Adam was someone I had a lot of conversions with and who was my right-hand man in terms of my leadership role at the club."

The 31-year-old Cook Islands international died after a weights session in the gym with some of his team-mates.

Wildcats head coach John Kear said: "Jason wanted to wear the number eight shirt next year which the club fully support.

"We approached Adam Watene's family and they were more than happy for this to go ahead."

He added: "We feel it's a very fitting tribute as Jason was a very close family friend of Adam's."

Meanwhile, Scott Grix has taken Demetriou's number 13 shirt after impressing at Belle Vue last season.

The West Yorkshire club have left four shirts free for possible future player additions.

Kear explained: "Obviously the two stand out number selections are probably Scott Grix and Jason Demetriou.

"We feel Scott has fully earned the right to have the number 13 shirt for next season after becoming one of our established players and following on from the success he enjoyed last season."