Origin II: Billy Slater confirms Maroons player’s father dies

Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney outlets report that Queensland Maroons player Tino Fa’asuamaleaui’s father, Fareti, has died on the eve of Origin II. Maroons coach Billy Slater is cited as confirming the death. The reporting across sources is consistent in that Slater’s statement addresses the family loss occurring immediately before the second State of Origin match. None of the articles provide additional detail about the circumstances of Fareti Fa’asuamaleaui’s death, or any stated impact on team selection or scheduling beyond the timing of the news. The accounts also align that the announcement is made in connection with the upcoming Origin II fixture and relates specifically to Fa’asuamaleaui’s father.