As Queensland anxiously anticipates Tino Fa'asuamaleaui's status for Game 2 of the State of Origin series, the Maroons player made a poignant decision to remain behind while his teammates traveled to Melbourne on Friday.
His choice was deeply personal, prioritizing his gravely ill father over travel to be with the family during this challenging time.
Fereti Fa'asuamaleaui is facing cancer for the second time and was receiving new treatment at Sunshine Coast Hospital on Friday, making the decision to stay a clear one for Tino.
While the rest of the Maroons prepared to depart from their Twin Waters base to Melbourne, Tino took a different route, driving north to Gympie to support his dad.
The Courier Mail indicated that Tino remains determined to play on Wednesday night, drawing strength from his father's struggles.
Although his father will be watching from a hospital bed in Gympie, this reality serves as significant motivation for the 26-year-old athlete.
"Whether my dad was sick or not, I will always play for him," Fa'asuamaleaui said.
"He is very sick, and I will be playing for him more so to put a smile on his face at home in bed.
"He is always in my heart, no matter what.