The Maroons have been rocked by heartbreaking news just days out from State of Origin II, with the team announcing the death of Tino Fa’asuamaleaui’s father.
Fareti Fa’asuamaleaui died this week age 56 after a second battle with cancer. He had been undergoing treatment at Sunshine Coast hospital.
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Cameron Munster of the Maroons line up for the national anthem. Paul Kane
His son, Tino, did not board the flight to Melbourne on Friday with his Maroons teammates so he could remain with his father as he battled the illness.
Maroons coach Billy Slater confirmed Fareti’s death to media on Saturday.
“Like many fathers, Fareti was and always will be an inspiration for Tino.
“On behalf of myself, this state and our footy team, our condolences to the Fa’asuamaleaui family.”
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui in action for the Titans. NRL Imagery
Slater said that while his star forward is with his family at this time, Fa’asuamaleaui has indicated he still wants to play in game two on Wednesday.
“I think we can all appreciate the importance of Tino to be with his family, that will be his priority,” Slater added.
“He will be given every bit of time that he needs with his family.”
It is not the first time that Slater has helped a representative player through the death of a loved one, having done so last season when Cameron Munster’s father died.
Just three days ago, Fa’asuamaleaui admitted that he continues to play each footy game for his father in hopes to “put a smile on his face at home in bed”.
“He is always in my heart,” he told reporters.
Fa’asuamaleaui revealed he had been visiting his father in Gympie on his days off or sometimes after training with the Titans.
“In life you never know what is going to happen,” he added.
“I cherish every moment with my dad.”
The Titans also expressed their “deepest condolences” to their team skipper.
“An incredible supporter of the Titans with both Tino and (son) 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,” the club wrote.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with entire Fa’asuamaleaui family at this incredibly difficult time.”
Source: https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/state-of-origin/state-of-origin-news-2026-tino-faasuamaleaui-father-fareti-dies-age-56-queensland-maroons-comments-20260613-p606iw.html
