56 is the number hanging over Queensland’s State of Origin build-up after the death of Fereti Fa’asuamaleaui, father of Maroons forward and Titans captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui. The news came days before Game II at the MCG, where Tino has told coach Billy Slater he wants to play on Wednesday night. It is a raw moment because Tino had spoken this week about his father’s second battle with cancer, his trips to Gympie, and the pride of wearing the family name.
The Bottom Line
- Fereti Fa’asuamaleaui, father of Queensland and Gold Coast Titans star Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, has died after battling illness and cancer.
- Reports put Fereti’s age at 56, with Nine.com.au saying he had been receiving treatment at Sunshine Coast hospital.
- Tino stayed in Queensland instead of flying to Melbourne with the Maroons on Friday, choosing to be with family in Gympie.
- Slater said Tino has indicated he wants to play State of Origin Game II at the MCG on Wednesday night.
- The Titans paid tribute to Fereti as a beloved member of the club’s wider family.
Breaking It Down
The story shifted from concern to grief on Saturday when Slater addressed media in Melbourne and confirmed the death of Tino’s father. The Maroons had travelled south to prepare for Game II, but Tino did not board the Friday flight. The Canberra Times reported that Fereti had been battling cancer and that Tino stayed behind rather than travel with the squad.
The Titans’ tribute gave the grief a family frame. The club extended its deepest condolences to captain Tino and the entire Fa’asuamaleaui family, describing Fereti as an inspiration for his three children — Olivia, Tino and Iszac — and loving wife Dianne. Fox Sports reported that Tino is expected to play as Queensland tries to keep the series alive.
Only three days earlier, Tino had spoken through tears about his father’s illness. The Age reported his father was within 100 kilometres of the Maroons’ Sunshine Coast camp, and that family had returned from Samoa and across Australia, New Zealand and the world to be by Fereti’s side.
He’s a strong man, he’s my hero, I love that guy.
The family story is tied closely to rugby league. Fereti played reserve grade at the Sydney Roosters after being recruited by Arthur Beetson, then later settled in Gympie and worked as a boilermaker. Tino has said his career links back to that path, describing the recruitment of his father as a “butterfly effect” that helped lead him to Queensland colours.
Why This Matters
Sport often turns courage into highlights, but this decision is heavier than a selection call. Tino has played 16 games for Queensland since his Maroons debut in 2020, and his role in the middle matters even more with the series on the line. Slater made clear that family comes first and that Tino will be given every bit of time he needs.
There is also an immediate football consequence for Australian rugby league fans watching Origin II. Queensland are trying to respond after a painful Game I defeat, and The Age reported that Fa’asuamaleaui finished that match with 116 running metres and 27 tackles. Those numbers show why his availability matters: he is a leading forward whose workrate sets the tone in the middle.
The parallel with Cameron Munster is close because the Maroons lived through similar grief last year. Munster’s father Steve died during preparations for Game III, before Munster returned and helped Queensland win the decider 24-12. That memory gives Slater’s camp recent experience in supporting a player while letting family and football coexist on the player’s terms.
What Comes Next
Queensland’s confirmed next assignment is State of Origin Game II at the MCG on Wednesday night. Slater has said Tino has indicated he wishes to play, but the coach also said being with family is the forward’s priority.
The Maroons now continue their Melbourne preparation while the Titans and Queensland rugby league community rally around the Fa’asuamaleaui family. For supporters, the focus will be both on the team sheet and on how one of Queensland’s most influential forwards is supported through a deeply personal week.
FAQ
Who was Fereti Fa’asuamaleaui?
Fereti Fa’asuamaleaui was the father of Queensland Maroons forward and Gold Coast Titans captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui. He had a rugby league background, having played reserve grade for the Sydney Roosters.
How old was Tino Fa’asuamaleaui’s father?
Reports said Fereti Fa’asuamaleaui was 56 when he died after battling illness and cancer.
Will Tino Fa’asuamaleaui play Origin II?
Billy Slater said Tino has indicated he wants to play State of Origin Game II at the MCG on Wednesday night, but Queensland will give him time with family first.
Why did Tino Fa’asuamaleaui stay in Queensland?
He stayed in Queensland instead of flying to Melbourne with the Maroons so he could be with his father and family in Gympie.
What did the Titans say about Fereti Fa’asuamaleaui?
The Gold Coast Titans expressed deepest condolences and described Fereti as a beloved member of the Titans family.
What is the Cameron Munster comparison?
Queensland faced a similar family tragedy last year when Cameron Munster’s father Steve died before Game III. Munster returned to play and helped the Maroons win the decider 24-12.