Queensland players have expressed their full support for prop Tino Fa'asuamaleaui following the death of his father, Fereti, after a battle with cancer. The Maroons flew to Melbourne on Friday without Fa'asuamaleaui, who remained with his family in Queensland, but the 16-game veteran has informed coach Billy Slater of his intention to join the team and play in Wednesday night's second State of Origin clash at the MCG.
Harry Grant Offers Heartfelt Support
Maroons hooker Harry Grant spoke emotionally about his teammate's difficult time. 'It is obviously a very tricky situation and all raw and emotional, but we have all got Tino's back and the family's back,' Grant said. 'The best thing for him right now is being up with his family and supported by his loved ones. If he decides to come and play, we will have his back too.'
Grant, a former club teammate of the Gold Coast co-captain from their time at Melbourne, acknowledged that Fereti was a devoted Maroons fan who attended most of Tino's matches. 'Tino really looked up to him. He really paved the way for Tino, and Tino has continually tried to pay that back over the years,' Grant added. 'I think he will continue to do that, not only for his mum Dianne but for his sister Olivia and brother Iszac as well.'
Family Legacy and Tribute
Last week, while his father was still seriously ill, Tino spoke of his desire to play for his dad and honor the family name. Fereti famously left Samoa as a young man, played lower grades for the Sydney Roosters, and later moved to Gympie to start a family. 'I know that Fereti was so proud seeing Tino in a Queensland jersey with his last name on the back,' Grant said. 'But that's a little while away at the moment. I think we all understand that it's just about supporting Tino and his family and appreciating these are tough times. At the end of the day, Wednesday night is just a game of footy.'
Last year, captain Cameron Munster's father Steve died days before the decider in Sydney. Munster played after spending time with his family, inspiring a 24-12 win. 'Everyone's situation is very different,' Grant noted. 'I am just thankful that during the Origin camp on the Sunshine Coast, Tino's family have been close by and he could get in the car and go up and see them.'
Looking Ahead to Game Two
The Maroons had a strong start in game one in Sydney, leading 20-0 before losing 22-20 after fullback Kalyn Ponga was sent off. The challenge at the MCG will be to start again and repeat their earlier successes. 'I think you have got to have that mindset,' Grant said. 'What you did in game one doesn't count for too much unless you put in the preparation again. Game one we performed well for the majority. We had some lapses we would have liked back, but we have got to start again, and we have done that with this camp.'
