Tino stays with Australia for Ashes with family support
Joel Gould |
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has confirmed he will represent Australia in the Ashes series, saying he has “unfinished business” in the green and gold.
The 25-year-old Gold Coast Titans captain weighed up aligning with Samoa, for whom he made his Test debut in 2019, but said his last outing for the Kangaroos – a heavy 30-0 loss to New Zealand in the 2023 Pacific Championships final – drove his decision.
“The reason I’m sticking with Australia is I feel like I have unfinished business,” Fa’asuamaleaui told AAP.
“Last year I was out injured, so the last time I wore the green and gold was getting flogged by the Kiwis. It doesn’t sit well with me. I want to give Aussie the best chance of winning the Ashes and do the green and gold proud.
“It’s also the first Ashes in 22 years. To be a part of something that historic doesn’t come around often. I want to look back and say I played my part in a moment like that.”
Fa’asuamaleaui reflected on what he called “The Butterfly Effect,” noting how Arthur Beetson once recruited his father Fereti from Samoa to play in Australia, a decision that changed the course of his family’s life.
“If that didn’t happen, I wouldn’t be here today,” he said.
“I feel connected to that history and now I want to create my own by helping Australia win the Ashes.”
He added his choice came after much reflection and the support of his family, especially his father.
“I spoke to Dad about how I was feeling and he was right behind me,” he said.
“He supported me and agreed with me. Having him and my family back me gave me confidence in the choice.”
The father of three girls admitted the decision was made tougher by his children, with his eldest daughter Alina learning Samoan dancing and hoping he would wear the blue jersey again.
“My daughters wanted me to represent Samoa,” he said.
“That is what made the decision hard. I’m very proud of my Samoan culture, my last name and all my family back in Samoa.
“I’m still representing them every time I run out. Who I am doesn’t change because of the jersey I wear.
“Just because I’m playing for the green and gold doesn’t mean I’m less passionate about Samoa. I love my Samoan family.
“They all support me no matter what. They know who I am. I’m also passionate about Australia, which has given me a place to raise my kids.”
Fa’asuamaleaui also showed respect for players making different choices, including fellow prop Payne Haas who will play with Samoa for the first time this year in the Pacific Championships.
“I respect everyone’s decision,” he said.
“I have spoken to Payne and he said to me that whatever decision I make, he is respectful of it. That’s not just him, but many people I’ve spoken to.”
Fa’asuamaleaui informed Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters and Samoa mentor Ben Gardiner of his call after speaking with his family. .
Australia will play England at Wembley on October 25 in the first match of a three-Test series.
AAP
