Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has become one of the most recognisable forwards in Australian rugby league with enormous physical strength and leadership. He plays as a prop and remains an important figure for the Gold Coast Titans.
However, his story extends well beyond rugby league. Born on February 16, 2000, Tino grew up in Queensland after being born in Orange, New South Wales.
Family has always shaped Tino’s decisions, including his move from Melbourne to the Gold Coast. His father, Fereti Fa’asuamaleaui, also played rugby and strongly influenced his son’s career.
Sadly, Fereti died in June 2026 following a battle with cancer. Tino returned to State of Origin duty days later and honoured his father’s final wishes.
Profile check
Full name: Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
Date of birth: February 16, 2000
Age: 26
Birthplace: Orange, New South Wales
Hometown: Widgee, Queensland
Position: Prop
Height: 197cm
Weight: 115kg
Father: Fereti Fa’asuamaleaui
Mother: Dianne Fa’asuamaleaui
Brother: Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui
Sister: Olivia Fa’asuamaleaui
Partner: Jordan Ngarimu
Children: Four
Early life and age
Tino spent his formative years in Widgee, a rural community near Gympie, where he developed his rugby league skills. His path into professional rugby began early, as he entered the Brisbane Broncos’ development program at just 12.
However, Melbourne Storm eventually won the race for his signature. Storm coach Craig Bellamy was a significant influence during his teenage years. Tino later explained that Bellamy welcomed him and his family while he was still attending James Nash State High School in Gympie.
His representative career also developed rapidly as he represented Queensland at under-16, under-18 and under-20 levels.
He later played for the Junior Kangaroos and represented Samoa. The Queensland Rugby League notes that he was earmarked for Origin football from a young age.
Melbourne Storm breakthrough
Tino made his NRL debut for Melbourne against St George Illawarra in July 2019. He finished that season with five first-grade appearances.
However, his breakthrough came the following campaign, when he became an important member of Melbourne’s 2020 premiership-winning squad.
The Storm defeated Penrith in the grand final, giving Tino his first NRL title and earning him selection for Queensland. That progression showed how quickly Tino had developed into an elite forward.
Professional career
Moving to the Gold Coast
Tino signed with the Gold Coast Titans before the 2021 season. The move carried an important personal motivation. His parents and wider family lived in Queensland, while his young family remained close to them. Tino also wanted his daughter to grow up around her grandparents.
The Titans initially signed him to a three-year deal worth about $2 million. He immediately established himself as one of the club’s leaders.
Tino won the Paul Broughton Medal as the Titans’ best and fairest player. He then became club captain ahead of the 2022 season, making him the NRL’s youngest captain at the time.
State of Origin and Australia
Tino made his Queensland debut in the 2020 State of Origin series, playing three matches as Queensland won the series 2-1.
He continued featuring prominently for the Maroons in subsequent years. His powerful running style made him a regular presence in Queensland’s forward pack.
Tino also represented Australia at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, playing in Australia’s final victory over Samoa. His international career has also included representing Samoa earlier.
Injury and comeback
Tino suffered a serious setback during the 2024 season. An ACL injury restricted him to just two NRL appearances that year. The injury forced him into a lengthy rehabilitation process.
However, he used that period to spend more time with his family. He eventually returned to the field during the 2025 pre-season. By 2026, he had resumed his role as one of the Titans’ leading forwards.
Family, ethnicity and his late father
Family remains central to Tino Fa’asuamaleaui’s identity. His father was Fereti Fa’asuamaleaui, while his mother is Dianne Fa’asuamaleaui.
Tino also has two siblings, Olivia and Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui, with
Iszac is following in his brother’s footsteps into professional rugby league. The brothers even played together for the Titans during Iszac’s NRL debut. Their father watched proudly as both sons reached the professional game.
Fereti also had his own rugby background, representing Samoa in rugby union before moving to Australia. The Sydney City Roosters later recruited him. Fereti played reserve-grade rugby league for the Roosters during the 1990s. Queensland rugby league legend Arthur Beetson was reportedly involved in bringing him to the club.
Tino’s heartbreaking loss
Fereti died in June 2026 after battling cancer. The Gold Coast Titans described him as an inspiration to Olivia, Tino and Iszac. The club also highlighted his support for both sons throughout their careers.
Tino’s father died just days before Queensland’s second Origin match. Despite his grief, Tino decided to return to the Maroons.
His father had encouraged him to represent Queensland and play hard.
Tino delivered an outstanding performance as Queensland defeated New South Wales 44-24. Afterwards, he spoke emotionally about his father’s influence, sharing a tribute that captured their bond.
“I’ll follow in your footsteps forever, Dad. 🖤”
The moment became one of the most personal chapters of Tino’s career.
Who is Tino Fa’asuamaleaui’s partner?
Tino’s long-term partner is Jordan Ngarimu, and the couple have been together since their teenage years.
Jordan has also pursued an elite sporting career playing netball with the Gold Coast Titans’ Sapphire Series team.
The Titans named her in their inaugural 2022 Sapphire Series squad. She later returned to the Titans’ Sapphire squad for the 2025 season.
Tino has repeatedly spoken about Jordan’s importance to his life. During his ACL rehabilitation, he highlighted the support she provided. He also said the injury allowed him to spend more time with his family.
Tino’s children
Tino and Jordan have four children together. Their first daughter, Alina, was born in 2019. Tino spoke about fatherhood even during his breakthrough season with Melbourne. He described Jordan and Alina as important sources of stability during the Storm’s 2020 campaign.
The couple later welcomed their second daughter, Gia. Their third daughter was also born during Tino’s recovery period. Their fourth child is their son, Rome, who was born in 2026.
Tino has consistently described fatherhood as an important part of his life. His family also influenced his decision to move from Melbourne to the Gold Coast.
Salary and net worth
Tino’s biggest publicly reported financial milestone came in 2023. The Titans secured him on a reported 10-year, $12 million contract.
The deal runs through the end of the 2033 season. That figure places the reported average value at approximately $1.2 million annually.
However, an average contract value does not necessarily equal his exact yearly salary. The contract has also reportedly included player options affecting his future beyond 2026.
Tino has also appeared in commercial campaigns connected with the Titans. In 2026, he featured prominently in the club’s FutureBall television campaign. The campaign involved Titans principal partner The Lottery Office.
There is no reliable public record establishing Tino’s exact net worth. However, what is clear is that Tino has built substantial earning power through rugby league.
His long-term Titans contract reflects his importance to the club. More importantly, his career remains closely connected to the family that helped him reach the NRL.