Felise Kaufusi’s father, Taniela, passes away after battle with illness

Felise Kaufusi’s father, Taniela, passes away after battle with illness

Melbourne’s Felise Kaufusi will miss this week’s game against Penrith following the tragic death of his father, Taniela.

The Dolphins-bound backrower missed a month of action in the middle of the season – including the State of Origin decider – to travel to America to be with his father, who has been hospitalised in Los Angeles.

Kaufusi had returned to the Storm a couple of weeks ago, playing for the first time in a month.

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“Everyone at Melbourne Storm is saddened to hear of the passing of Felise Kaufusi’s father, Taniela on Saturday morning,” the club wrote in a statement.

“Felise will miss Thursday’s match against the Panthers to be with his family.

“Our thoughts are with the Kaufusi family during this time.”

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