Queensland players say they will support prop Tino Fa’asuamaleaui any way they can after the death of his father Fereti.
Fereti Fa’asuamaleaui died after a battle with cancer and his son is still with family in Queensland, after the Maroons flew to Melbourne on Friday to prepare for the second State of Origin clash at the MCG on Wednesday night.
Fa’asuamaleaui, who has played 16 times for the Maroons, told coach Billy Slater that he intends to join the team and play.
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Maroons hooker Harry Grant spoke from the heart about his teammate’s difficult time.
“It is obviously a very tricky situation and all raw and emotional but we have all got Tino’s back and the family’s back,” Grant said.
“The best thing for him right now is being up with his family and supported by his loved ones and showing that care to them. If he decides to come and play we will have his back too.”
Grant, who is also a former club teammate of the Gold Coast co-captain from his time at Melbourne, recognised that Fereti was a big Maroons fan who was at the majority of Tino’s matches.
“Tino really looked up to him. He really paved the way for Tino and Tino has continually tried to pay that back over the years,” he said.
“I think he will continue to do that, not only for his mum (Dianne) but for his sister (Olivia) and brother (Iszac) too.”
Tino and brother Iszac with dad Fereti. Credit: Gold Coast Titans
Last week while his father was still seriously ill, Tino spoke of his desire to play for his dad and honour the family name.
Fereti famously left Samoa as a young man and played lower grades for Sydney Roosters before moving to Gympie and starting a family.
“I know that Fereti was so proud seeing Tino in a Queensland jersey with his last name on the back of the jersey and doing it proud but that’s a little while away at the moment,” Grant said.
“I think we all understand that its just about supporting Tino and his family and appreciating these are tough times. At the end of the day, Wednesday night is just a game of footy.”
Last year captain Cameron Munster’s father Steve died days before the decider in Sydney. Munster played in the match after spending time with his family, inspiring a 24-12 win.
“Everyone’s situation is very different,” Grant said.
“I am just thankful that during the Origin camp (on the Sunshine Coast) Tino’s family have been close by and he could get in the car and go up and see them.”
The Maroons had a great start in game one in Sydney, leading 20-0 before losing 22-20 after fullback Kalyn Ponga was sent off.
The challenge at the MCG will be starting again and repeating all the things they did right.
“I think you have got to have that mindset,” Grant said.
“What you did in game one doesn’t count for too much unless you put in the preparation again.
“Game one we performed well for the majority. We had some lapses we would have liked back but we have got to start again and we have done that with this camp.”
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