The father of Titans captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has sadly passed away after a battle with illness.
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Fareti Fa’asuamaleaui was 56 years old.
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The tragic news was confirmed via a statement by the Gold Coast Titans.
“The Gold Coast Titans extend our deepest condolences to captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and the entire Fa’asuamaleaui family following the passing of Tino’s father, Fereti,” the statement read.
“A beloved member of the Titans family, Fereti was an inspiration for his three children – Olivia, Tino and Iszac – alongside loving wife Dianne.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with entire Fa’asuamaleaui family at this incredibly difficult time.”
Fa’asuamaleaui didn’t travel with the Maroons to Melbourne on Friday, instead staying behind in Queensland to be with his family in Gympie.
Maroons coach Billy Slater faced the media in Melbourne on Saturday afternoon to provide a brief statement, where he revealed that Fa’asuamaleaui will bravely play in Game II as Queensland aim to save the series.
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“Unfortnately this morning we received the sad news that Fareti Fa’asuamaleaui had passed away,” Slater said.
“On behalf of myself, this footy team and the state of Queensland, our love and condolences go to the Fa’asuamaleaui family.
“Although Tino has already indicated to myself that his wishes are to play on Wednesday night, I think we can all appreciate the importance of Tino to be with his family right now and that would be his priority and he’ll be given every bit of time that he needs with his family.”
It’s the second time in two years the Maroons’ camp has been rocked by family tragedy just days out from a Origin fixture.
Before last year’s decider, Cam Munster’s father Steven sadly passed away. Munster lined up for the Maroons, leading his state to a series win.
