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. This adaptability has been a key factor in his success and is something he embraces wholeheartedly.
In the 2023 State of Origin series, Tabuai-Fidow started in the centres, then moved to the wing in Game 2, where he scored two tries in a thrilling 26-24 victory. He later transitioned to the fullback position for the decisive Game 3, contributing to a 24-12 win that marked a historic achievement for the Maroons.
Tabuai-Fidow, known as “Hammer” by fans, has always prioritized the team over personal preferences. His mindset reflects a deep commitment to the squad’s success.
“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 different positions requires not only physical skill but also mental resilience. Tabuai-Fidow has mastered this challenge, adapting seamlessly to each role he’s been asked to play.
“It is just about knowing my role and what I can do for the team and knowing my strengths as well,” he explained. “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 the course of 10 Origin games, Tabuai-Fidow has scored 11 tries, with nine of those coming from the centre position. His experience at centre has given him a strong foundation, though he remains open to other roles.
Brisbane superstar and Australia fullback Reece Walsh is expected to return to the Queensland side at No.1, a position that Tabuai-Fidow considers his strongest. However, he isn’t ruling out playing on the wing.
“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,” he said. “I am not counting out wing. I have done the job there before but my preference would be centre.”
A Historic Win and New Challenges
The Maroons achieved a remarkable feat last year by winning two consecutive away games in Perth and Sydney, securing a 2-1 series victory after losing the opening game in Brisbane. This was the first time the team had accomplished such a feat in Origin history.
This year’s series kicks off in Sydney on May 27, followed by matches in Melbourne and Brisbane. Despite the challenging start, Tabuai-Fidow remains confident in the team’s ability to perform.
“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.”
Excitement Over Team Dynamics
Tabuai-Fidow is also looking forward to playing fullback for the Dolphins against Canterbury at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night. The return of hooker Jeremy Marshall-King, who has been sidelined for nine weeks due to a knee injury, has added to the excitement.
“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.
