The Queensland Maroons are in mourning after the death of Tino Fa’asuamaleaui’s father, Fereti.
Fereti sadly lost his battle with cancer, just days after his son broke down in tears speaking about the situation.
Fereti 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.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow
The Titans confirmed the tragic news with a short statement on Saturday.
“The Gold Coast Titans extend our deepest condolences to captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and the entire Fa’asuamaleaui family following the passing of Tino’s father, Fereti,” they said.
“A beloved member of the Titans family, Fereti was an inspiration for his three children – Olivia, Tino and Iszac – alongside loving wife Dianne.
“An incredible supporter of the Titans with both Tino and Iszac in action, he was regularly at Cbus Super Stadium and at club events, as well as watching Tino with pride at both Origin and International level.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with entire Fa’asuamaleaui family at this incredibly difficult time.”
The Tians paid tribute to the beloved figure. Credit: Titans
Maroons coach Billy Slater spoke to media on Saturday afternoon and said at this stage they expect Fa’asuamaleaui to line up in Wednesday night’s State of Origin clash at the MCG.
“Unfortunately, this morning we received the sad news that Tino’s father, Fereti Fa’asumaleaui 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.
“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.”
Earlier this week, tears welled up as Fa’asuamaleaui reflected on the man whose move from Samoa to the Sydney Roosters, and ultimately Gympie in Queensland, set in train a chain of events that led to his son pursuing his own rugby league dream.
“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.”
The 26-year-old, who is set to play his 17th Origin match, is proud of the surname he wears on his back.
“He’s my hero, he’s my rock,” Tino said.
“It’s hard to talk about publicly but he’s everything to my family. He’s the man.”
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.
He lived with Beetson and played reserve grade for the Tricolours, before moving to Gympie and providing for his family as a boilermaker.
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.
— With AAP
Dolphins thump Roosters as Katoa puts on a show
2 min read
Brutal blow for NSW as young gun goes down in warm-up
2 min read
