Queensland captain Cameron Munster has expressed confidence that prop Tino Fa'asuamaleaui will do his late father Fereti proud when he takes the field at the MCG on Wednesday night.
Fa'asuamaleaui returns to camp after father's passing
Fa'asuamaleaui, 26, left the Maroons camp on the Sunshine Coast late last week following his father's death to spend time with his family. He rejoined his teammates in Melbourne on Sunday evening and will train with the side on Tuesday before playing in his 17th State of Origin match for Queensland.
Last year, Munster's own father Steven passed away while the Maroons were in camp on the Sunshine Coast preparing for the series decider in Sydney. Munster left camp to grieve with his family before returning to play an inspirational and emotional role in a famous 24-12 victory.
"We have obviously gone through some tough times me and Tino so I know exactly how he is feeling," Munster said on Tuesday.
"When you lose your mentor or an idol or a role model of your family, especially your dad, it does take a heavy toll on you.
"I know Fereti will be very proud of the man and father he has become. We all talk about rugby league accolades, but the values Fereti put in Tino ... I am sure he will be a very proud dad tomorrow night regardless of the result.
"We know what Tino is about and we are right behind him, as is every Queenslander, rugby league in general and NSW. Hopefully he can play the footy Fereti would be proud of."
Fa'asuamaleaui's emotional connection to his father
Last week, while his father was still alive, Fa'asuamaleaui spoke emotionally about cherishing every moment with his dad.
"He is always in my heart, no matter what," he said. "I will always play for him."
He has frequently mentioned "the butterfly effect" that followed Fereti's decision to leave Samoa and play with the Sydney Roosters after being recruited by former captain Arthur Beetson. Fereti played lower grades with the Roosters before moving to Gympie in regional Queensland, where he had three children with wife Dianne: daughter Olivia and sons Iszac and Tino.
Tino rose through the junior system to become a star of the game, a premiership winner with Melbourne in 2020 and a regular for both the Maroons and Australia.
"Where I am in my career now and playing for Queensland, it really all started when Arthur recruited my old man," he said.
Fa'asuamaleaui, also the Gold Coast co-captain, had been travelling frequently to see his father during his illness, making trips to Gympie after Titans training and on his days off. The tough forward was suffering in silence while still performing each week for his club.
Maroons forward Kurt Capewell praised Fa'asuamaleaui's character, saying he is the kind of person who "does anything for his teammates," which is one reason he has decided to play in the match.
"I can't imagine what it's like to go through," Capewell said. "All we can do is get around him and be there for him."
