Queensland players have pledged their full support to Tino Fa’asuamaleaui as the Maroons forward deals with the devastating loss of his father, Fereti.
Fereti Fa’asuamaleaui passed away following a battle with cancer. Tino has remained with family in Queensland while the Maroons travelled to Melbourne on Friday ahead of next Wednesday night’s State of Origin clash at the MCG.
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Despite the tragedy, the Gold Coast co-captain has told coach Billy Slater he intends to join the squad and make himself available for selection.
Speaking from Melbourne, Queensland hooker Harry Grant said the team’s focus was on supporting Tino and his family through an incredibly difficult period.
“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 spent time alongside Fa’asuamaleaui during their days at Melbourne Storm, said Fereti had been one of his son’s biggest supporters throughout his career.
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“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.”
Only last week, while his father remained seriously ill, Fa’asuamaleaui spoke publicly about his desire to represent Queensland in honour of both his father and the family name.
Fereti’s own rugby league journey began when he left Samoa as a young man. He played lower grades with the Sydney Roosters before settling in Gympie, where he raised his family.
Grant said Fereti took immense pride in watching his son represent Queensland.
“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 it’s 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.”
The situation brings back memories of last year’s Origin decider when captain Cameron Munster played after the passing of his father Steve just days before Queensland’s victory in Sydney.
Grant said each player handles grief differently and there was no expectation on Fa’asuamaleaui beyond what was best for him and his family.
“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.”
Queensland will now turn its attention to Game Two after suffering a heartbreaking 22-20 defeat in Sydney despite racing to a 20-0 lead before Kalyn Ponga’s sending off shifted momentum.
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Grant said the Maroons had reset quickly and understood they needed to reproduce the same preparation that served them so well in the opening match.
“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.”
