Tino Fa'asuamaleaui's journey back to the NRL and the 'blessing' he found in family and connecting with his roots
After an ACL injury sidelined him for nearly the entire 2024 NRL season, Tino faced one of the toughest challenges, fighting to regain his spot in the Origin squad. After losing Game 1 with the Maroons he's back again tonight, ready to give it his all.
Tino calls the injury a 'blessing in disguise.'
"It was a bit frustrating sitting on the sidelines all year with my injury, but there was also a lot of blessings with it, I got to spend more time with my family" he said.
"... I think just with the mindset, thinking of ideas of where I could help the community when I go back to Samoa"
During his recovery, he spent valuable time in Samoa, reconnecting with his roots, learning more of his language, and dreaming up ways to give back to his rugby league community, village, and family.
"I just really want to find out who I am, and also where my family's from and just keep in touch," he said.
"I'm so glad that I've come, because you know I haven't been here in so long and you lose touch with it a bit.
"Just to be back here you want to give more and be around your family and really learn the tradition of Samoa and each village, especially my village."
The Maroons will take on the Blues this evening at Optus Stadium in Perth with kick off at 8.05pm AEST
Tune in to Radio Australia for live commentary with coverage starting from 7pm AEST.
Words by Dinah Lewis Boucher, Penina Momoisea
Additional footage from the Gold Coast Titans and King Siva Academy
Posted 8m ago 8 minutes ago Wed 18 Jun 2025 at 1:18am
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