The Melbourne Storm have revealed that representative back-rower Felise Kaufusi will miss this Thursdayโs clash against the Penrith Panthers following the passing of his father Taniela this week.
Kaufusi will spend time with his family in the wake of the devastating personal loss, with no time-frame on his return.
Earlier this year Kaufusi ruled himself out of the State of Origin decider after travelling to the United States to be by his fatherโs side after he was hospitalised in Los Angeles.
At the time Kaufusiโs mother having issues regarding the matter and Craig Bellamy said Kaufusi wanted to get over there โas soon as possible to support them โ family comes first.โ
The family were able to secure passage to Australia for the ailing Kaufusi patriarch, but his condition continued to deteriorate. At the time his fatherโs condition was a driving factor behind Kaufusiโs decision to represent Tonga at the upcoming World Cup.
โDad wore Tonga gear when (Australia) played them in 2018. Itโs something Iโve been sitting on for a while,โ Kaufusi told the Daily Telegraph back in June.
โItโs the opportunity to represent my heritage, my family, and challenge the best sides. That would be the pinnacle.
Kaufusi, who is off to the Dolphins next year, has already spoken to Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga to advise him of his decision.
โI said I donโt want to stuff you around โ Iโm playing for Tonga at the World Cup,โ Kaufusi said of the chat with Meninga.
โHe was really good about it. He understood my reasoning. He wished me good luck.โ
