Fereti Fa’asuamaleaui has died after a battle with illness, leaving Queensland Origin forward Tino Fa’asuamaleaui to decide whether he can return to the field for Wednesday night’s Game II. The Gold Coast Titans said on Saturday they extend their deepest condolences to Tino and the Fa’asuamaleaui family following the loss of Fereti, whom they described as a beloved member of the club’s family.
That is why Tino Fa’asuamaleaui’s name is being searched now. He did not travel with the Maroons to Melbourne on Friday and stayed behind in Queensland to be with his family in Gympie, after Fereti’s condition worsened and the family’s focus shifted entirely to home. The Titans said Fereti was an inspiration for his three children, Olivia, Tino and Iszac, alongside his wife Dianne.
Queensland coach Billy Slater confirmed the death on Saturday afternoon in Melbourne, saying the team had received the sad news that Fareti Fa’asuamaleaui had passed away. Slater also said the Maroons would give Tino every bit of time he needs with his family, while noting the prop had already indicated he wants to play on Wednesday night.
That leaves Queensland in the same position it has tried to avoid this week: balancing the demands of an Origin decider build-up with a family emergency that cannot be managed by schedule or selection. Tino’s availability has not been confirmed, and the next step will be his own call, made with the support of Queensland and the Titans, after time with Dianne, Olivia and Iszac in Gympie.
The Maroons camp has now been hit by family tragedy for the second time in two years before an Origin fixture. Before last year’s decider, Cam Munster’s father Steven died, a reminder that the human cost of the series can reach far beyond the team bus. This time, the immediate question is not about tactics or matchups but whether Fa’asuamaleaui returns to Melbourne at all before Wednesday night.
