Emotional Confession: Maroons Star Opens Up on Father’s Cancer Fight
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, a prominent figure in the State of Origin series, has revealed in a deeply emotional moment that his father is battling cancer. The Queensland player shared this personal struggle for the first time, admitting tears welled up as he spoke about his father Fereti’s ongoing fight.
Family Rallies as Fereti Faces Second Cancer Diagnosis
Fereti Fa’asuamaleaui has been diagnosed with cancer for the second time. This news has prompted family members from Samoa, Australia, and New Zealand to gather by his side. Tino has been making frequent trips to his father’s home in Gympie to offer support.
Speaking emotionally, the 26-year-old described his father as his ‘hero.’ “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,” Fa’asuamaleaui stated, wiping away tears. He apologized for his emotions surfacing, explaining, “It’s something I don’t really want to speak about.”
A Father’s Influence on and Off the Field
The Queensland star emphasized the profound bond he shares with his father, a sentiment that extends beyond their family connection to their shared passion for rugby. Fereti, who was a talented player himself, reaching reserve grade for the Sydney Roosters after being scouted by Arthur Beetson, has always provided Tino with valuable insights into his game.
“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 shared. “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.”
Motivation to Win for His Father
With his father unable to attend games, Tino finds extra motivation to perform well, hoping to bring a smile to his face. “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,” he explained. He added with a laugh, “If I play bad, he’s not smiling, so I have to play good to make sure he has a smile.”
Fa’asuamaleaui expressed his honor in representing his father by wearing his last name on his jersey for Queensland. “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.”
Looking Ahead to State of Origin Game Two
Fa’asuamaleaui’s performance is expected to be crucial as the Maroons aim to level the State of Origin series in the upcoming game two. Following a narrow loss in the opening match, where Queensland held a strong lead before a late comeback by New South Wales, the team is determined to bounce back.
Reflecting on the first game, Fa’asuamaleaui acknowledged the disappointment but stressed the team’s focus on moving forward. “We’re not looking into it – it’s football, stuff happens. If we were looking at it like that, we’ve already beaten ourselves,” he stated. “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.”
The Maroons are now focused on the challenge at the MCG, with Fa’asuamaleaui’s personal drive to succeed for his father undoubtedly fueling his determination on the field.
