In a display of raw emotion and unwavering dedication, Queensland Maroons enforcer Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has revealed the deeply personal battle his father is currently facing, just a stone’s throw from the team’s Sunshine Coast training base. Speaking publicly for the first time about his father Fereti’s second diagnosis with cancer, the star forward paid heartfelt tribute to the man he considers his ultimate “hero” and a guiding force throughout his burgeoning rugby league career.
The 24-year-old struggled to contain his emotions as he spoke about his father’s current health struggles. “He’s very sick at the moment,” Fa’asuamaleaui admitted, wiping away tears. “He’s got cancer – he had it a few years ago, he’s a strong man and got through it.” He paused, apologising for his emotional response. “It’s something I don’t really want to speak about, but he’s a strong man, he’s my hero, I love that guy.”
The weight of his father’s illness is palpable, yet Fa’asuamaleaui is channeling his concern into a powerful motivation. “You don’t want to think of the worst case, but we’re just trying to cherish every moment,” he shared. “He’ll get through this – I pray every day and pray to God that he gets through the sickness, but he’s got a lot of support and staying really strong.”
This deeply personal commitment will undoubtedly fuel Fa’asuamaleaui’s performance as he prepares to take the field at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for the crucial second State of Origin clash. His motivation extends beyond simply levelling the series; he has vowed to play in honour of his father, a pledge eerily reminiscent of the inspirational effort by Queensland captain Cameron Munster in last year’s deciding game, following the passing of his own father during the camp.
The Fa’asuamaleaui family’s strong ties are evident, with relatives from Samoa and across Australia and New Zealand rallying around Fereti. Tino has been making regular trips back to his family home in Gympie, even during the intense Maroons camp, to be by his father’s side. This close bond is rooted in a shared love for rugby league. Fereti himself played reserve grade for the Sydney Roosters after being scouted by rugby league legend Arthur Beetson.
A Father’s Influence and a Son’s Promise
Fa’asuamaleaui spoke glowingly of his father’s ongoing influence on his game and life. “He’s always got tips on what I can do better, and that’s something that I’ve loved about my dad – he’s always spoken truthfully about my game and just me as a man and how I can be better,” he explained. “I’ve always played for my dad, he’s my hero whether he was sick or not, and is someone I look up to and love so much.”
The absence of his father from the stands adds a profound layer of personal significance to each game. “Obviously, my dad can’t come to the games any more, so it gives me that extra motivation to play well for him so he can have a smile while he lays in bed,” Fa’asuamaleaui stated.
Facing the MCG Challenge
An inspired performance from the Maroons’ leading forward will be instrumental as Queensland aims to keep their State of Origin hopes alive following a narrow and contentious defeat in game one in Sydney. Fa’asuamaleaui’s commitment is clear: “If I play bad, he’s not smiling,” he quipped, a hint of a smile breaking through his earlier emotion. “So I have to play good to make sure he has a smile. I’m honoured I get to wear his last name on my back for Queensland, and represent what he’s done for me.” He added, acknowledging his father’s immense courage, “He’s very brave, anyone who’s gone through that it’s nothing easy, and for him to every day battle it in a lot of pain, it’s quite remarkable.”
The Maroons face a historical hurdle at the MCG, having not secured a victory at the iconic venue since 1995, with their last win in game three of the 2006 series taking place at Marvel Stadium. Only Cameron Munster and Kurt Capewell, among the current squad, were born before that 1995 triumph. However, Fa’asuamaleaui remains unfazed by the statistics. “We’re not worried about it – if you’re worried about that stat now, you’ve obviously beaten yourself already. No one was born yet, so does it matter?” he asserted.
Reflections on Game One and Moving Forward
Reflecting on the opening game, the Maroons dominated the forward battle until the controversial send-off of Kalyn Ponga in the 57th minute. No NSW forward surpassed 100 running metres in the match, leading to a prevailing sentiment that the Blues might not have secured victory without the Ponga decision. Fa’asuamaleaui, who contributed 116 running metres and 27 tackles, dismissed the notion that the team is dwelling on the referee’s call.
“We’re not looking into it – it’s football, stuff happens. If we were looking at it like that, we’ve already beaten ourselves,” he maintained. “I’m very proud of the boys, there were a lot of good efforts, and we were really working hard. Even when we went down to 12 men, we still had that Queensland spirit, and it came down to a flip of the coin. We got a lot of learnings from that, and it’s time to move on.” The team is now focused on the task ahead, drawing strength from their collective spirit and the enduring inspiration of family.
