Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has told Maroons coach Billy Slater he still intends to play in Wednesday night's State of Origin at the MCG after the death of his father Fereti.
Fa’asuamaleaui did not travel to Melbourne with the Queensland team on Friday and Slater confirmed that Fereti had passed away on Saturday morning.
"Unfortunately, this morning we received the sad news that Tino's father Fereti Fa’asuamaleaui had passed away," Slater told reporters in Melbourne.
"Fereti had been battling an illness for a period of 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, in particular Fereti's wife Dianne, his daughter Olivia and his sons Iszac and Tino.
"Although Tino has already indicated to myself that his wishes are to play on Wednesday night I think we can all appreciate the importance of Tino to be with his family right now.
"That will be his priority, and he will be given every bit of time that he needs with his family."
Tino rejoined Maroons camp on Monday after spending the weekend with his family and looks set to take his place on Wednesday night.
He had shared the news early last week that the cancer Fereti Fa’asuamaleaui had previously battled had unfortunately returned.
Fighting back tears as he spoke about the influence of Fereti, who was recruited from Samoa to the Roosters by the legendary Arthur Beetson, Tino said it was an honour to wear the Fa’asuamaleaui name on his back of his Maroons jersey.
“We have a very strong network," Fa'asuamaleaui said. "My Dad's brothers from Samoa (are) over and from New Zealand, all over the place, my Dad's nephews, my cousins have come over from Samoa, Perth, everywhere across Australia, New Zealand and the world.
“It just shows you how good of a man he is. He's really proud of me and I'm honoured that I get to wear his last name on my back for Queensland and represent him and what he's done for me.
“I've always played for my Dad, he's my hero whether he was sick or not, he's someone that I look up to and I love so much.
“Not just him, my Mum, my siblings, my nephew, my nieces and my kids especially and my partner.
“They're someone I always look up to and play for, but obviously, my Dad can't come to the games anymore, so it gives me that extra motivation to play well for him so he can have a smile while he lays in bed.
“Definitely extra motivation, but they always were from the beginning.”
Given his experience playing both codes at a high level, Fa’asuamaleaui said while his father had not been able to attend games in person, he enjoyed watching from bed and sharing his tips post-match.
They appeared to be working, with Fa’asuamaleaui rediscovering his form and was happy to be coming into Game Two camp off the back of a gusty Titans win over the Broncos.
“If I play bad, it's probably he's not smiling, so he'll let me know,” Fa’asuamaleaui laughed. “I have to play well to make sure he has a smile.
“He's always got tips, he's always got tips of what I can do better and that's something that I've loved about my Dad, that he's always spoke truthfully about my game and just me as a man and how I can be better.
"I love that guy and he's my hero.
Whenever I get a chance, I'll go see my Dad. Even if I'm at Goldie [Gold Coast], on the day off or the night before or after training, I go straight home to Gympie and just to spend time with my loved ones.
“You don't want to think of the worst case, but I always just try to cherish every moment.”
Both the Queensland Rugby League and Gold Coast Titans extended their condolences to Tino and his family.
"A beloved member of the Titans family, Fereti was an inspiration for his three children - Olivia, Tino and Iszac - alongside loving wife Dianne," the Titans said in a statement.
"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 QRL said: "The Queensland Rugby League extends its deepest condolences to Maroons forward Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and the entire Fa’asuamaleaui family following the passing of Tino’s father, Fereti.
"A beloved member of the Queensland rugby league family, Fereti was an inspiration for his three children - Olivia, Tino and Iszac - alongside loving wife Dianne".
Match: Blues v Maroons
Game 2 -
home Team
Blues
away Team
Maroons
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
A record crowd is set to pack into the MCG for Game Two of the State of Origin series. Tickets are selling fast, so click here to get yours before they sell out.
