💔“He will always be in my heart…” The Maroons were deeply saddened after Tino Fa’asuamaleaui’s father passed away from cancer just days before State of Origin II — but it was Tino’s quiet, emotional gesture that truly broke hearts and brought tears to everyone’s eyes…

In the high-stakes world of State of Origin rugby league, where rivalries burn fierce and every tackle carries the weight of a state’s pride, moments of profound humanity often cut through the intensity. Such was the case this week when the Queensland Maroons were rocked by devastating news: the passing of Tino Fa’asuamaleaui’s father, Fereti Fa’asuamaleaui, after a courageous battle with cancer. The loss came just days before Game II of the 2026 State of Origin series, scheduled for Wednesday night at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Yet amid the sorrow, Tino’s quiet resolve and heartfelt words have touched the hearts of teammates, fans, and the broader rugby league community.

Fereti Fa’asuamaleaui, aged 56, had been fighting cancer for some time, with the illness returning for a second battle. Tino, the powerful Titans captain and Maroons forward, had openly shared his family’s struggles earlier in the week while preparing for the series. In emotional interviews, he described his father as his hero, a strong man who fought daily to stay with his loved ones. Tino spoke of cherishing every moment, visiting his dad in Gympie on days off or after training, and playing each game with the hope of bringing a smile to his father’s face.

“He is always in my heart,” Tino had said, words that now carry even deeper resonance.

The news of Fereti’s passing hit the Maroons camp hard. Coach Billy Slater confirmed the tragedy, noting that Tino had chosen to remain in Queensland with his family rather than travel with the squad to Melbourne initially. The team flew south on Friday to begin preparations, but the forward pack’s most experienced member stayed behind to grieve and support his loved ones. Slater’s message to the media and public was filled with empathy: on behalf of himself, the state, and the entire Maroons squad, he extended deepest condolences to the Fa’asuamaleaui family.

“Like many fathers, Fareti was and always will be an inspiration for Tino,” Slater remarked, highlighting the profound bond between father and son.

Despite the immense personal loss, Tino has indicated his strong desire to take the field in Game II to honor his father. This decision speaks volumes about the resilience ingrained in rugby league families, particularly those with deep roots in the sport. Fereti himself was a former player who raised a family of tough forwards in Gympie, instilling values of strength, perseverance, and family unity. Tributes poured in from across the NRL, with the Titans and Queensland Maroons organizations expressing their support.

Teammates, including hooker Harry Grant, emphasized the squad’s unity: “We have all got Tino’s back and the family’s back.” The situation remains raw and emotional, but the support network around Tino is unwavering.

The timing could not have been more poignant. State of Origin is more than a sporting contest; it is a cultural phenomenon in Australia, a stage where personal stories intertwine with collective passion. Just days earlier, Tino had been vocal about his father’s fight, drawing strength from it as the Maroons looked to level the series after Game I. The entire camp had rallied around him then, and now, in the wake of the loss, that solidarity has only grown stronger.

Players and staff alike understand the weight Tino carries, having seen similar heartbreaks in past series, such as Cameron Munster’s loss of his father last year.

Fereti’s legacy extends far beyond the immediate family. As a father who battled illness with dignity, he embodied the quiet heroism often celebrated in rugby league narratives. He raised Tino and his siblings in an environment where hard work on the field mirrored resilience off it. Tino’s performances for the Titans and Maroons have long been fueled by this foundation. In recent seasons, the prop has emerged as a leader, known for his powerful runs, defensive grit, and leadership qualities that earn respect across the competition.

His commitment to playing on Wednesday, should family circumstances allow, reflects a desire to channel grief into performance — a common thread among athletes who play for those they’ve lost.

For the Maroons, this tragedy adds another layer to an already intense preparation period. Game II at the MCG represents a critical juncture in the series. Queensland will be looking to bounce back and set up a decider, but the focus remains first and foremost on supporting Tino. The squad’s decision to rally around him mirrors the broader ethos of the game: mateship in the face of adversity. Fans across Queensland and beyond have flooded social media with messages of love and support, sharing stories of Fereti’s impact and sending prayers to the family.

Tino’s gesture — his steadfast words “He will always be in my heart” and his intention to honor his father on the biggest stage — has moved many to tears. It is a reminder that behind the helmets and jerseys are real people navigating life’s hardest moments. In a sport that demands physical and mental toughness, such vulnerability humanizes the athletes and deepens the connection with supporters. Tino’s story resonates because it is universal: the love between a son and his father, the pain of loss, and the determination to carry on.

As the Maroons continue their build-up in Melbourne, thoughts remain with Tino in Queensland. Whether he takes the field or not, his presence is felt. The team knows that playing with heart, as Tino has always done, is the best tribute possible. Fereti’s memory will undoubtedly fuel not just Tino but the entire group, turning sorrow into motivation for what promises to be an emotionally charged clash against New South Wales.

Rugby league has a long history of families at its core — generations passing down the love of the game, the lessons of resilience, and the importance of community. The Fa’asuamaleaui family exemplifies this. Tino’s quiet strength in the face of profound loss serves as an inspiration, showing that even in heartbreak, there is space for hope, unity, and the enduring power of family bonds. “He will always be in my heart” — these words, spoken by a grieving son, have become a rallying cry that transcends the scoreboard.

In the days leading to Game II, the rugby league world watches with heavy hearts but also admiration. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui’s journey through grief highlights the human side of elite sport. As the MCG lights up on Wednesday, fans will remember Fereti and cheer for a son determined to make him proud. The Maroons stand together, a testament to the unbreakable spirit that defines Queensland rugby league.

In moments like these, the game reminds us why it matters so deeply — not just for the tries and tackles, but for the stories of courage, love, and legacy that unfold beyond the white lines.