Tino Fa’asuamaleaui hopes he “put a smile” on the face of his late father after taking to the field to help the Maroons defeat the NSW Blues 44-24 and force the 2026 State of Origin series into a thrilling decider at Suncorp Stadium.
Fa’asuamaleaui had an interrupted lead up to Origin II after it was revealed his father Fereti had died aged 56 following a battle with cancer.
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui embraces Queensland teammate Kulikefu Finefeuiaki after defeating the NSW Blues. NRL Imagery
The 26-year-old joined the Maroons on Monday to complete the final preparations before game two and informed coach Billy Slater that he wanted to play.
His family were present in the stands to witness his team claim victory on Wednesday, with his children joining him on the field post-match.
Fa’asuamaleaui was thankful for the distraction of playing rugby league for his state as he mourns the loss of his father.
“It means so much,” he told Nine.
“Just to come out here and play the sport that I loved growing up.
“All the sacrifices my dad and my family made for me to be here, it was just so good to go out there and do what I love.
“My old man had the best seat tonight. Hopefully we put a smile on his face.”
It is not the first time the Maroons have rallied around a player due to the loss of a loved one, with captain Cameron Munster losing his father on the eve of last year’s series decider in Sydney.
Munster made clear that Fa’asuamaleaui would always have the support of his Maroons teammates in the lead up and after Origin II at the MCG.
Fa’asuamaleaui extended his gratitude to all those in the rugby league world who also shared stories and their condolences about the death of his father.
“The amount of messages I got as soon as everyone found out. It was beautiful (from) the rugby league community,” Fa’asuamaleaui added.
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui speaks to Nine’s Allana Ferguson after winning game two of the State of Origin series. Nine
“All the messages I got from people texting me on Instagram, it means so much. Shout out to those guys because yes, it has been a tough week, but just seeing the stories and messages from everyone really puts a smile on my face.
“It was amazing. Much love guys.”
Fa’asuamaleaui credited his skipper Cameron Munster for helping turn his team’s performance around, recognising that his efforts to settle the team helped inspire a win.
“It was intense, that first half was back and forth,” he said.
“Our skipper Munster really settled us and made it clear to us at half-time.
“We came out and did our jobs, got the win in the end which is really good. I am really proud of the boys.”
The Maroons and Blues will now turn their focus to the series decider on July 8.