The Queensland camp is in mourning following the tragic news prop Tino Fa’asuamaleaui’s father Fereti has died.
Fereti Fa’asuamaleaui had been battling cancer and his son stayed in Queensland to be with him and his family rather than fly to Melbourne on Friday with the rest of the team.
Maroons coach Billy Slater addressed media at a junior rugby league field in the outskirts of Melbourne on Saturday with the tragic news.
Slater said Fa’asuamaleaui intended to play in the second State of Origin clash at the MCG on Wednesday night.
‘Unfortunately, this morning we received the sad news that Tino’s father, Fereti Fa’asuamaleaui had passed away,’ Slater said.
‘Fereti had been battling an illness for some time, which Tino spoke about publicly earlier this week. Like many fathers, Fereti was and always will be an inspiration and a hero for Tino.
Maroons forward Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is mourning the death of his father Fereti
Tino opened up about his strong rugby league bond with his father who always gave tips
‘On behalf of myself, this footy team and the state of Queensland, our love and condolences go to the Fa’asuamaleaui family – particularly Fereti’s wife Dianne, his daughter Olivia and sons Iszac and Tino.
‘Although Tino has already indicated to me that his wish is to play on Wednesday night, I think we can all appreciate the importance of him being with his family right now. That will be his priority, and he’ll be given all the time he needs with his family.’
The Maroons prop had spoken during the week about his father’s battle and the love they shared.
‘He is very sick and I will be playing for him more so to put a smile on his face at home in bed,’ Tino said.
‘He is always in my heart, no matter what.
‘Every day off I go up and see my dad (in Gympie). It could be a day trip or I go the night earlier after training at the Titans, just to make sure I spend time with him.
‘In life you never know what is going to happen and I cherish every moment with my dad.’
Fereti blazed a trail on the football field for his son to proudly follow when he moved from Samoa to the Sydney Roosters when scouted by the great Arthur Beetson.
The Titans captain will still play in the second State of Origin match in Melbourne
He lived with Beetson and played reserve grade for the Tricolours, before moving to Gympie and providing for his family as a boilermaker.
‘Where I am in my career now and playing for Queensland, it really all started when Arthur recruited my old man and it’s had a butterfly effect,’ Tino said on Tuesday.
‘Whether my dad was sick or not I will always play for him.
‘All my family have played a big part in why I am standing here and who I am as a man.’
Fa’asuamaleaui has played 16 games for the Maroons and has been a key to the side’s success ever since making his debut in 2020.
His decision to make himself available for the MCG clash has a sad parallel, but also an inspirational one, with Maroons captain Cameron Munster whose father Steve Munster died during the preparations for game three of last year’s State of Origin series.
Munster grieved with his family before returning to the team in Sydney to play a magnificent match and lead the Maroons to a memorable 24-12 win in the decider.
