Tino Fa’asuamaleaui Reveals Father’s Cancer Fight in Emotional Press Conference
Rugby league star Tino Fa’asuamaleaui became visibly emotional as he disclosed his father’s ongoing battle with cancer for the first time. The Queensland representative was speaking near the team’s training camp when he shared the deeply personal news about his father, Fereti.
Family Rallies as Fereti Faces Second Cancer Diagnosis
This marks the second time Fereti has been diagnosed with cancer. Family members have traveled from Samoa, across Australia, and New Zealand to be by his side during this challenging period. Fa’asuamaleaui has been making regular trips to his father’s home in Gympie.
A Father’s Strength and Son’s Hero Worship
Fighting back tears, the 26-year-old described his father as his “hero.” “He’s very sick at the moment. He’s got cancer – he had it a few years ago, he’s a strong man and got through it,” Fa’asuamaleaui stated, pausing to wipe his eyes.
He continued, “He’s a strong man, he’s my hero, I love that guy. You don’t want to think of the worst case, but we’re just trying to cherish every moment. He’ll get through this – I pray every day and pray to God that he gets through the sickness, but he’s got a lot of support and staying really strong.”
The athlete’s father, Fereti, was himself a notable rugby player, reaching reserve grade for the Sydney Roosters after being scouted by Arthur Beetson. This shared passion for the sport has forged a powerful bond between father and son.
Rugby Bond and Motivation for Performance
Fa’asuamaleaui spoke about the invaluable advice his father has always provided regarding his game and personal development. “He’s always got tips on what I can do better, and that’s something that I’ve loved about my dad – he’s always spoken truthfully about my game and just me as a man and how I can be better,” he explained.
The motivation to perform well for his father, who can no longer attend games in person, is immense. “I’ve always played for my dad, he’s my hero whether he was sick or not, and is someone I look up to and love so much. Obviously, my dad can’t come to the games any more, so it gives me that extra motivation to play well for him so he can have a smile while he lays in bed.”
Fa’asuamaleaui humorously added, “If I play bad, he’s not smiling, so I have to play good to make sure he has a smile. I’m honoured I get to wear his last name on my back for Queensland, and represent what he’s done for me. He’s very brave, anyone who’s gone through that it’s nothing easy, and for him to every day battle it in a lot of pain, it’s quite remarkable.”
Focus on Game Two and Series Levelling
Fa’asuamaleaui played a crucial role in Queensland’s early dominance in the first game, a match ultimately lost to New South Wales. He is determined to deliver another strong performance to help the Maroons level the series.
Reflecting on the previous game, Fa’asuamaleaui dismissed dwelling on what-ifs. “We’re not looking into it – it’s football, stuff happens. If we were looking at it like that, we’ve already beaten ourselves,” he stated. “I’m very proud of the boys, there were a lot of good efforts, and we were really working hard. Even when we went down to 12 men, we still had that Queensland spirit, and it came down to a flip of the coin. We got a lot of learnings from that, and it’s time to move on.”
Queensland has the opportunity to even the series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and Fa’asuamaleaui’s dedication is a testament to his unwavering support for his father.
