Tears were shed, and a passionate declaration issued, as Tino Fa’asuamaleaui revealed the health battle his father was enduring within 100 kilometres of Queensland Maroons camp on the Sunshine Coast.
Speaking publicly for the first time since his Gympie-based father Fereti was diagnosed with cancer for a second time, the star enforcer lauded the influence his “hero” dad had on his rugby league journey.
“He’s very sick at the moment. He’s got cancer – he had it a few years ago, he’s a strong man and got through it.
“It’s something I don’t really want to speak about,” Fa’asuamaleaui said, wiping his eyes and apologising as his emotions began to surface.
“He’s a strong man, he’s my hero, I love that guy.
“You don’t want to think of the worst case, but we’re just trying to cherish every moment.
“He’ll get through this – I pray every day and pray to God that he gets through the sickness, but he’s got a lot of support and staying really strong.”
Fa’asuamaleaui will step onto the MCG with more on the line than squaring the State of Origin series, as he vowed to perform in Fereti’s honour. It is a similar pledge that delivered Queensland skipper Cameron Munster a heroic display in last year’s decider, after his own father passed away during the game three camp.
Family members from Samoa, and “across Australia, New Zealand and the world” have returned to be by Fereti’s side, with Fa’asuamaleaui making regular trips home to Gympie – including during the Maroons camp.
The Fa’asuamaleaui pair harbour a close bond. Fereti played reserve grade at the Sydney Roosters, after being recruited by rugby league Immortal Arthur Beetson.
“He’s always got tips on what I can do better, and that’s something that I’ve loved about my dad – he’s always spoken truthfully about my game and just me as a man and how I can be better,” Fa’asuamaleaui said.
“I’ve always played for my dad, he’s my hero whether he was sick or not, and is someone I look up to and love so much.
“Obviously, my dad can’t come to the games any more, so it gives me that extra motivation to play well for him so he can have a smile while he lays in bed.
An inspired performance by the Maroons leading forward will be crucial in Queensland’s bid to save the Origin series, after their heartbreaking and controversial game one defeat in Sydney.
“If I play bad, he’s not smiling,” Fa’asuamaleaui added with a laugh, “so I have to play good to make sure he has a smile. I’m honoured I get to wear his last name on my back for Queensland, and represent what he’s done for me.
“He’s very brave, anyone who’s gone through that it’s nothing easy, and for him to every day battle it in a lot of pain, it’s quite remarkable.”
The Maroons have not triumphed at the MCG since 1995, with their 2006 game three win coming at Marvel Stadium.
Munster and Kurt Capewell are the only players in the squad who were born before that last victory at the iconic Victorian venue.
“We’re not worried about it – if you’re worried about that stat now, you’ve obviously beaten yourself already. No one was born yet, so does it matter?” Fa’asuamaleaui said.
During game I, the Maroons had dominated the battle in the middle of the field until Kalyn Ponga was sent off for a contentious shoulder charge in the 57th minute, with no Blues forward running for more than 100 metres in the clash.
While there is a prevailing opinion NSW would not have won through James Tedesco’s final-minute try if not for the Ponga decision, Fa’asuamaleaui – who finished with 116 running metres and 27 tackles – insisted that thought was not passing around the Queensland dressing room.
“We’re not looking into it – it’s football, stuff happens. If we were looking at it like that, we’ve already beaten ourselves,” Fa’asuamaleaui said.
“I’m very proud of the boys, there were a lot of good efforts, and we were really working hard. Even when we went down to 12 men, we still had that Queensland spirit, and it came down to a flip of the coin.
“We got a lot of learnings from that, and it’s time to move on.”
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