Queensland rugby league player Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has opened up about the promise he made to his late father, Fereti, as he prepares to help his team vie for the State of Origin shield. Fa’asuamaleaui’s father passed away from cancer just days before Origin II at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, a loss that deeply affected the 26-year-old while underscoring his determination to compete.

Despite the recent bereavement, Fa’asuamaleaui chose not to withdraw from the match, contributing significantly to Queensland’s 44-24 victory over New South Wales, which has set up a series decider at Suncorp Stadium. He has expressed his commitment to winning the final for his father, telling him at his bedside that he hoped to bring the shield back in his honor.

“It’s been a weird feeling,” Fa’asuamaleaui said, describing a sense of numbness and an inability to cry despite the grief. He acknowledged the support from his teammates at both the Gold Coast Titans and within the Maroons camp, which helped him cope during this difficult time. Fa’asuamaleaui also paid tribute to his father’s role as the family’s cornerstone.

Fereti Fa’asuamaleaui was not only a father and family figure but also a former Samoan rugby player with a notable connection to Queensland rugby league history. He was signed by Arthur Beetson to play for the Sydney Roosters in the 1990s. This legacy adds personal significance for Tino, who is set to play his 18th State of Origin game at Lang Park, a venue linked to Beetson’s legacy as Queensland’s inaugural Origin captain in 1980.

The timing of Fereti’s passing was sudden. Fa’asuamaleaui recalled receiving a late-night call during his time in Camp Maroon, forcing an urgent trip to his hometown of Gympie to be at his father’s bedside. He described the final days as painful for his father, with medical efforts eventually ceased as the family prepared to say goodbye, a moment Fa’asuamaleaui considers a bittersweet blessing for allowing last words and closure.

The Maroons’ captain, Cameron Munster, who experienced a similar loss last year when his father died shortly before an Origin decider, has been a source of empathy and support for Fa’asuamaleaui. Both players have faced the challenge of competing at the highest level while navigating personal tragedy, highlighting the emotional resilience required.

Looking ahead to the series decider, Fa’asuamaleaui emphasized his focus on honoring his father’s memory by pushing through adversity and contributing to Queensland’s success. He expressed hope that winning the shield would be a fitting tribute and a way to bring some comfort to his family.

With Queensland preparing to host the final match, Fa’asuamaleaui’s personal journey adds a poignant backdrop to the high-stakes contest, where determination and legacy intersect on the field.