Adaptable Talent and Team-First Mentality
Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has proven his versatility on the field, showcasing his ability to play in multiple positions for Queensland. His adaptability was on display during last year’s State of Origin series, where he featured in three different roles. Now, with the upcoming series approaching, Tabuai-Fidow is ready to take on any position if needed.
Known as “Hammer” by teammates and fans, Tabuai-Fidow started the 2023 series in the centres. He then moved to the wing for Game Two, where he scored two crucial tries in a 26-24 victory. His performance in the decider saw him shift to fullback, contributing to a stunning 24-12 win that secured the series for Queensland.
Despite his success across different positions, Tabuai-Fidow emphasizes a team-first approach. He believes that when the team has confidence in him, he can excel in any role.
“That’s the thing you want to do but when you put the team first you can do anything,” Tabuai-Fidow said. “When all the boys have trust in you, and the coaches as well, you can excel. That gives you confidence. Whatever the team needs me to do, I will go out and do it one hundred per cent.”
Mastering Multiple Roles
Moving between positions without missing a beat requires both skill and mental strength, and Tabuai-Fidow has mastered this art. His understanding of his role and strengths on the field allows him to perform consistently, no matter which jersey he wears.
“It is just about knowing my role and what I can do for the team and knowing my strengths as well,” the 24-year-old said. “That is the big thing for me, knowing what I can do on the field in any jersey I am in. I take that confidence with me.”
Over 10 Origin games, Tabuai-Fidow has scored 11 tries, with nine of them coming from the centre. While he acknowledges that Brisbane superstar Reece Walsh is a strong contender to return to the Queensland side at fullback, Tabuai-Fidow remains focused on his own contributions.
“If he was to play one position all through the series he knows which he would choose. I have played most of my games at that level at centre and I know what it takes to be a centre at that level as well. I am not counting out wing. I have done the job there before but my preference would be centre.”
A New Series and Continued Success
The Maroons achieved a historic feat last year by winning two consecutive away games in Perth and Sydney, securing a 2-1 series victory after losing the opener in Brisbane. This year’s series kicks off in Sydney on May 27, followed by matches in Melbourne and Brisbane.
Tabuai-Fidow is confident that the team can handle the challenges of starting away from home. “You saw what we could do last year in the last two games where we gelled and were back to our best,” he said. “I think this first two games is a challenge we will take head on.”
On Thursday night, Tabuai-Fidow will play fullback for the Dolphins against Canterbury at Suncorp Stadium. The return of hooker Jeremy Marshall-King, who has been absent for nine weeks due to a knee injury, has brought a sense of excitement to the team.
“It does feel like our attack flows better when he is out there and just the creativity he produces has the boys excited to run out with him,” he said.
