‘He’s An Incredibly Strong Person’: Tino Fa’asuamaleaui’s Partner Shares Heartfelt Words as Father Fereti Passes Away After Long Cancer Battle

Queensland Maroons and Gold Coast Titans forward Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is facing a deeply personal loss just days before State of Origin II, with his long-time partner highlighting his resilience and the rugby league community offering quiet support.

The Queensland rugby league family is coming to terms with the passing of Fereti Fa’asuamaleaui, father of Maroons and Titans prop Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and his brother Izack. Fereti died on Saturday, 13 June 2026, at the age of 56 after a prolonged battle with cancer.

In the hours following the news, Tino’s partner Jordan Ngarimu shared a personal message describing her loved one as “an incredibly strong person.” She also provided further details about how Tino has been coping with the situation. Those words have resonated with supporters, many of whom have expressed their sadness and admiration for the family’s dignity during this difficult period.

Official Confirmation from the Maroons Camp

Maroons coach Billy Slater confirmed the news to media on Saturday afternoon while the team was preparing in Melbourne for the second game of the 2026 State of Origin series.

“Unfortunately this morning we received the sad news that Tino’s father, Fereti Fa’asuamaleaui, had passed away,” Slater said. “Fereti had been battling an illness for a period of time, which Tino spoke about publicly earlier this week. Like many fathers, Fereti was and always will be an inspiration and a hero for Tino.”

Slater extended condolences on behalf of himself, the playing group and the state of Queensland to Fereti’s wife Diane, daughter Olivia, and sons Izack and Tino. He noted that Tino had already indicated a desire to take the field on Wednesday night in Melbourne to honour his father, while making clear that family remains the priority.

“Tino has already indicated to myself that his wishes are to play on Wednesday night,” Slater added. “Family time comes first, and we’ll support whatever decision he makes.”

A Partner’s Message of Strength

Jordan Ngarimu’s public comments have provided a personal window into the family’s experience. Her description of Tino as “an incredibly strong person” and the additional details she shared about his current situation have struck a chord with fans and observers across the rugby league community.

While the full context of her remarks remains private, the sentiment aligns with the picture painted by those close to the family: a man drawing on inner reserves while navigating grief, supported by loved ones and teammates. Supporters have responded with messages of respect for the way the family has handled the loss with composure and care for one another.

Tino’s Connection to His Father

Tino had spoken openly earlier in the week about his father’s health battle. Reports indicate he described Fereti as his hero and discussed the impact of facing cancer for a second time. Those comments came as Tino balanced his preparations for Origin II with time spent supporting his family in Queensland.

Fereti Fa’asuamaleaui was remembered by those who knew him as a former player who instilled toughness and values in his sons. Both Tino and Izack have followed paths into professional rugby league, with the family maintaining strong ties to the Gympie region in Queensland. The loss has been felt not only within the immediate family but across the broader footy community that watched the brothers develop.

The Maroons Team Response

The Queensland squad has rallied around their teammate in the lead-up to Game II. Players have spoken of the group’s unity and the importance of being there for one another during personal challenges.

Hooker Harry Grant emphasised the collective support, noting that the team has Tino’s back and will continue to stand by him. This approach mirrors the way the Maroons have previously supported players through difficult personal circumstances, including in 2025.

Slater has stressed that decisions about Tino’s availability for Wednesday night’s match will be made with the family’s wellbeing at the forefront. The coach has been praised for his measured and compassionate handling of the situation, keeping the focus on care rather than pressure.

Background on Fereti Fa’asuamaleaui

Fereti Fa’asuamaleaui was 56 at the time of his passing. He had been receiving treatment, including time at Sunshine Coast facilities, during his most recent health battle.

Those who knew him describe a man who was central to his family and who took pride in seeing his sons pursue their sporting dreams. His influence on Tino and Izack’s development as powerful, committed forwards has been noted by coaches and teammates over the years. The family’s roots in Gympie remain strong, and tributes from the local community have highlighted Fereti’s role as a father, husband and former player who helped shape the next generation.

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui’s Journey in Rugby League

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has established himself as one of the premier props in the NRL. As captain of the Gold Coast Titans, he has earned respect for his powerful ball-carrying, defensive work rate and leadership on and off the field.

A regular selection for the Queensland Maroons, Tino has featured in multiple State of Origin series, contributing to the team’s forward pack with his physical presence and consistency. His journey reflects the typical path of many Queensland-raised players who combine club duties with representative football at the highest level.

Throughout his career, Tino has spoken about the importance of family and the values instilled by his parents. Those close to him say the strength he has shown in recent days is consistent with the character he has displayed throughout his professional life.

Community and Fan Reaction

News of Fereti’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the NRL, Titans and Maroons communities, as well as from fans. Messages have focused on condolences for the family, recognition of Fereti’s legacy, and quiet support for Tino as he navigates this period.

Social media and traditional media coverage have remained respectful, with emphasis on the human story rather than speculation. Many supporters have shared memories of watching Tino and Izack develop and have expressed admiration for the way the family has conducted itself publicly.

The rugby league community is known for its close-knit nature, particularly in Queensland, where representative football carries deep cultural significance. In moments like these, the focus shifts from on-field rivalry to mutual respect and support.

Looking Ahead to Origin II

State of Origin II is scheduled for Wednesday night in Melbourne. The series carries its usual intensity, with both Queensland and New South Wales preparing meticulously.

For the Maroons, the immediate priority is ensuring Tino and his family have the space and support they need. Slater and the playing group have made it clear that any decision regarding Tino’s participation will be respected without question.

Whether Tino takes the field or not, the message from the camp has been consistent: the team is united and will honour Fereti’s memory in their own way.

The Role of Family and Resilience in Footy

Rugby league at the elite level often intersects with personal life in profound ways. Players frequently speak about the grounding influence of family, the sacrifices made by parents, and the strength drawn from those closest to them during challenging times.

In Tino’s case, the public comments from his partner and the measured statements from his coach paint a picture of a family drawing on that same resilience. The additional details shared by Jordan Ngarimu about Tino’s situation have given fans a sense of the quiet strength being shown behind the scenes.

The coming days will see the Maroons continue their preparation while remaining sensitive to the Fa’asuamaleaui family’s needs. For supporters, the story serves as a reminder of the people behind the jerseys and the real-life challenges that exist alongside the sport’s biggest stages.

Moving Forward with Support

As Queensland prepares for Game II, the thoughts of the wider rugby league community remain with Tino, Jordan, Izack, Olivia, Diane and the extended Fa’asuamaleaui family.

Tributes continue to arrive from former teammates, current players, coaches and fans, all expressing respect for Fereti’s life and admiration for the way his son has carried himself.

The focus now is on practical support, private time for the family, and allowing Tino the space to make decisions about his immediate future in consultation with those closest to him.

In the words shared by his partner, Tino is viewed as an incredibly strong person. That strength, combined with the backing of his family, teammates and the broader footy community, will be what carries him through the days and weeks ahead.

The Queensland Maroons and Gold Coast Titans have both expressed their full support for Tino and his family. As the rugby league world watches on, the prevailing sentiment is one of respect, quiet solidarity and hope that the family finds comfort in the legacy Fereti leaves behind.