"That was only early on - for a long time they have been chasing each other and playing together, and that was the case on the day he died too, " Mr Blaszkiewitz said.

BBC: Candles by Knut's enclosure

There are a number of rugby league and union clubs in Britain chasing Carney whose playing contract is still held by the Titans.

BBC: Brian Carney announced his retirement in January 2007