Giant of a man
Yet his happiness at Huddersfield Giants, and his domestic bliss at home, masked the seriousness of a mental illness that had been gnawing away at the Super League star since his traumatic childhood in New Zealand.
It culminated in this placid player, a gentle giant, attacking two strangers in an unprovoked assault last year – an incident that forced the 28-year-old to come to terms with his inner demons.
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Hide AdHe's not the first role model to face such a predicament. Nor will he be last. But what makes Mr Whatuira's story so inspiring is his
acceptance of his mental illness, a condition still regarded by many as a taboo subject, and his determination to reach out to others who may be suffering in silence.
In many respects, Paul Whatuira will be judged by his performances for the Giants – but no feat on the pitch will ever match the courage he has shown in confronting the past and also inspiring others.