Paul Whatuira: He was fine days before incident - agent

Oct 21 2009 By Andrew Hirst

A GOOD friend of Huddersfield Giants star Paul Whatuira has revealed he sounded fine just days before ending up in a secure mental health unit.

Australia-based Sam Ayoub has revealed exclusively to the Examiner that the 28-year-old New Zealand international was excited about becoming a dad in the coming months.

And Mr Ayoub is reeling in shock at the devastating news that Whatuira was arrested by police after allegedly attacking two men on St Thomas’ Road near Longroyd Bridge at 6am last Tuesday.

One of the men hurt suffered severe facial injuries including a broken nose, missing teeth and other damaged teeth.

It is understood that Whatuira was being treated at St Luke’s Hospital in Crosland Moor at the time, but had left the hospital shortly before the attacks.

Whatuira joined Huddersfield Giants from Australian National Rugby League club Wests Tigers two years ago and Mr Ayoub from Sydney-based Ultra Management (Sports) was his manager at the time.

“This has come as a huge shock to not only myself but to all those who know Paul personally,’’ he said. “He is such a quiet and reserved person with a mild nature.

“I spoke with him only a few days before the incidents. He sounded perfectly fine and as I will be heading to the UK at the end of the month we spoke about catching up and having a bite together.