Tino Fa’asuamaleaui: Playing for Family and State Pride in the Origin Arena
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, the formidable Queensland Maroons prop, is drawing immense strength from his family as he prepares for his 17th State of Origin appearance. His father, Fereti, is currently battling cancer for a second time, a reality that adds a profound layer of personal significance to every game. Fa’asuamaleaui, who also co-captains the Gold Coast Titans, expressed the deep emotional connection he feels, stating that he will be playing “even more” for his father, hoping to bring a smile to his face even as he rests at home.
“He is very sick and I will be playing for him more so to put a smile on his face at home in bed,” Fa’asuamaleaui shared during his time in the Maroons camp. “He is always in my heart, no matter what.” The NRL star makes a dedicated effort to spend as much time as possible with his father, travelling to Gympie whenever he has a day off. These visits can be simple day trips or overnight stays after training with the Titans, all driven by a desire to cherish every moment. “In life you never know what is going to happen and I cherish every moment with my dad,” he added, highlighting the preciousness of their time together.
The journey that has brought Fa’asuamaleaui to the pinnacle of rugby league, representing Queensland, has its roots in his father’s own story. Fereti Fa’asuamaleaui’s move from Samoa to Sydney, where he was scouted by the legendary Arthur Beetson and played reserve grade for the Roosters, set in motion a chain of events that would ultimately lead to Tino’s own rugby league aspirations. After his time in Sydney, Fereti relocated to Gympie in Queensland, working as a boilermaker to provide for his family.
Reflecting on this legacy, Fa’asuamaleaui acknowledged the profound impact of his father’s past. “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,” he explained. He emphasised that his commitment to playing with passion extends beyond his father’s current health challenges. “Whether my dad was sick or not I will always play for him,” he affirmed. “All my family have played a big part in why I am standing here and who I am as a man.” This deep sense of gratitude and familial connection fuels his determination on the field.
This upcoming Origin clash at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will see Fa’asuamaleaui resume his intense rivalry with New South Wales counterpart Payne Haas. The pair have a history of fiery encounters, most notably a memorable scuffle in Game Two of the 2020 series that resulted in both players being sin-binned. Fa’asuamaleaui views these confrontations not as personal animosity, but as a testament to their competitive spirit and dedication to their respective states.
“There are no mates out there and we were both young bucks coming through protecting our teammates,” Fa’asuamaleaui commented on their past clashes. “That is why it popped off and continues every year. It was just two passionate players who are passionate about their state, who will never back down and that will continue next week.” This fierce pride in representing Queensland is a driving force for him, and he anticipates another hard-fought battle against Haas.
Adding a touch of historical resonance to the pre-match media conference, Fa’asuamaleaui was seen sporting a retro 1995 Maroons jersey, emblazoned with the words “all fired up.” This particular jersey harks back to a significant Maroons victory at the MCG, where that Queensland side secured the series with a 20-12 win – the Maroons’ sole victory at the iconic venue. This historical connection serves as an inspiration, reminding the current team of the legacy they are a part of.
“It means a lot. The people from the past have set us up to be here,” Fa’asuamaleaui stated, underscoring the importance of honouring the traditions and achievements of previous Maroons teams. The weight of representing Queensland, combined with the personal motivation of playing for his ailing father, creates a potent mix of determination and passion for Tino Fa’asuamaleaui as he steps onto the Origin stage. His story is a powerful reminder of the deep personal connections that often drive athletes to perform at their very best.
