The Melbourne Storm have missed out on luring Tino Fa’asuamaleaui back to the NRL club where he debuted in a major double blow after club legend Cameron Smith joined the Brisbane Broncos this week. And it’s since been revealed the role family played in the decisions of Fa’asuamaleaui and Smith.
Fa’asuamaleaui had a clause in his 10-year deal with the Gold Coast Titans that allowed him to leave the club at the end of this season if he wanted. There was widespread speculation the Storm would make a move to try and convince him to come ‘home’ after he started his career in Melbourne.
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and his family (L) are staying on the Gold Coast, while the Melbourne Storm have also lost Cameron Smith (R) to the Broncos. Image: Getty
But he announced on Wednesday that he’s re-committed to the Titans and won’t be seeking to leave. The State of Origin and Test star is desperate for success at club level, and wants to the see the lowly Titans improve.
But his family are settled on the Gold Coast, and it played a major part in him deciding to stay. “The Titans mean a lot to me and my family, and my goal has never changed since coming to the club…I want to remain loyal and be part of the team that delivers premiership success to the Gold Coast,” he said.
“I want to do everything I can to build a winning culture and that’s why I’ve put to bed all the speculation around my future before we start the season.”
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has re-committed to the Gold Coast Titans after speculation he could return to the Melbourne Storm.
(Getty Images)
Fa’asuamaleaui’s manager Simon Mammino revealed the Perth Bears were the only club his client spoke to in an official capacity after technically becoming a ‘free agent’ in November. Other clubs expressed interest in taking if and when Fa’asuamaleaui wanted to.
“Family is a huge factor,” Mammino said last year. “His family and support network is all around the Gold Coast area. If he goes to Perth, there’s no family support, so Perth will face the same challenges as Melbourne.”
Family at heart of Cameron Smith joining Broncos
His decision is another blow for the Storm after the loss of Ryan Papenhuyzen, Jonah Pezet and Nelson Asofa-Solomona. And they’ve also been forced to watch club legend Smith link up with the Broncos on Michael Maguire’s coaching staff.
On Tuesday, Storm star Cameron Munster revealed how family was also likely at the centre of Smith’s decision. Despite being a Melbourne legend, Smith and his family live in Queensland.
Cameron Smith is a Melbourne legend but lives in Queensland with his family.
(Getty Images)
“Probably his wife didn’t want him to fly down to Melbourne every week because he missed out on a whole heap of his kids’ life (while playing)”, Munster said. “He has a good relationship with Madge (Maguire) when they were together at the Storm, and I’m sure Madge coached him at one stage when he was down here as an assistant, so they have a great relationship.
“It’s disappointing to see him in different colours, but he obviously wants to get a bit of development. You never know, he might end up having some development there and then he comes back down (to coach Melbourne). Who knows? I’m not too sure who the next coach will be after Craig (Bellamy), but I’m sure Billy (Slater) or Cam would be the right fit.”