Fa'asuamaleaui to Play Origin II Following Father's Passing
Queensland Maroons prop Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is set to take the field for State of Origin II on Wednesday night at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), just days after the death of his father, Fereti, following a battle with cancer.
Fa'asuamaleaui left the Maroons' training camp on the Sunshine Coast after the loss and rejoined his teammates in Melbourne on Sunday.
Team Support and Shared Experience
The Maroons squad has rallied around Fa'asuamaleaui. Queensland captain Cameron Munster, who lost his own father during the 2022 State of Origin series, spoke openly about the experience.
“I understand how he is feeling,” Munster said. “I know Fereti would be proud of the man and father Tino has become.”
Maroons forward Kurt Capewell confirmed the team's full support, stating that Fa'asuamaleaui would do “anything for his teammates.”
The team has made it clear: Tino is not alone in this.
Analysts Weigh In
Speaking on Nine’s Freddy and The Eighth, rugby league great Andrew Johns noted that Fa'asuamaleaui is an emotional player who channels his feelings to perform at his best.
“He draws on his emotions. He will want to play well as a tribute to his father,” Johns said.
Meanwhile, Brad Fittler pointed to the value of experience within the squad.
“Cameron Munster and Billy Slater have both been through similar losses. They can offer real advice and comfort to Tino during this time.”
The Maroons take on New South Wales at the MCG, with all eyes on a player inspired by more than just the jersey.