Doing it for his family and the memory of his beloved father remains high on Tino Fa’asuamaleaui’s list of priorities as the Maroons forward prepares for Wednesday’s decider.
Fa’asuamaleaui bravely played in Queensland’s dominant 44-24 win in Game Two at the MCG, determined to honour the dying wishes of his father Fereti, who passed away due to cancer midway through camp.
The Maroons prop spoke before that game of the influence his father had, calling him his hero, with his performance no doubt making his father proud.
Returning to camp for Game Three, Fa’asuamaleaui and his family have since laid Fereti to rest, but his influence remains strong.
Fa’asuamaleaui was also thankful to have the support of the rugby league community while he and his family were dealing with their personal battle, as well as having his Maroons and Titans family come to the funeral to pay their respects.
“Obviously it's been a big few weeks for not just myself, my family, everyone,” Fa’asuamaleaui said.
“My brother (Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui) had to pack up and leave France and be over here and it's been a tough time.
“But … as life goes on, as soon as I heard I was in camp, I was so excited to get around the brothers and do Queensland proud and do my old man and family proud.
“(A few players and coaches came to the funeral) … which was beautiful to see.
“Obviously, you don't notice it until everything slows down, then you talk to them all after and it was just beautiful to see (them there) and all the Titans brothers too came and Bill, Bill [Maroons coach Billy Slater] was there, so beautiful.
“Knowing that respect that they have to take time and respect my parents and obviously my old man and my family just means a lot and my level of respect goes to another level for them.”
As well as playing to honour his family, Fa’asuamaleaui was well aware of how important a decider win would be for Queensland fans, who haven’t seen a win at Suncorp Stadium since 2023.
Speaking at the Maroons fan day at Rockhampton last Tuesday, the Titans co-captain said the side would also be looking to correct their recent record at the venue.
“We've never lost touch of why we play for Queensland and who we play for,” Fa’asuamaleaui said.
“But just to come to this gives you that extra reminder of the people that support us and love us and it's going to help us next Wednesday.
“We always take pride in making sure that we play well and get a win at home and obviously hearing that now more so than ever and wherever we play, we'll make sure we get our game on.
“It's a decider, and this is do or die, so hopefully we can … train well and put it into the game.”
Don't miss a minute of the action when Queensland and NSW collide in an epic State of Origin decider. Live on Channel 9, 9Now and Watch NRL on Wednesday, July 8.
