Source :- THE AGE NEWS
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has confirmed his intent to remain in Dolphins colours and finish his career in the NRL, declaring he had no desire to return to the rival codes which made him one of the nation’s most elite athletes.
While rugby league was ‘The Hammer’s’ first love, it was in Aussie rules and rugby union the Indigenous flyer appeared destined to make his mark.
Initially a member of the Gold Coast Suns academy, Tabuai-Fidow eventually moved on a scholarship to Brisbane Grammar and linked up with the Queensland Reds’ academy.
Fans get a glimpse of what he could have brought to the AFL whenever a midfield bomb goes up for the fullback to contest, but he says, “I think my AFL days are over, there’s a lot of running in that sport” when asked – in jest – if Karmichael Hunt-styled defection entertained his thoughts.
Blessed with pace shielded in mystique – the rhetoric being no one knew his top speed, as he was only ever as fast as he needed to be – a path to the Wallabies appeared to open up. In 2017, he scored 10 tries in a GPS First XV season, before he caught the eye of the North Queensland Cowboys.
“I didn’t really know what to do at the time, I just went down for an opportunity on a scholarship and to play at a high level at that age. Then, when the Cowboys came knocking, that’s what I wanted to do,” Tabuai-Fidow said.
“I was in the Reds academy, but there wasn’t too much happening at the time. I sort of didn’t really look into it that much, I just wanted to play my school footy.
“[League] was the first sport that I did play at a young age, and watching all my uncles and my dad play, it was something I wanted to do. Having the chat with the Cowboys at the time, it was closer to home for myself as well, and I think that got me over.”
Tabuai-Fidow comes off contract with the Dolphins at the end of 2027, and will be free to negotiate with other outfits from November 1.
But the 24-year-old insists his desire is to remain in Redcliffe, declaring he had not explored the prospect of following Angus Crichton, Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii and Mark Nawaqanitawase back to union.
“My preference would be to stay here, but I’m not too worried about that. I’m just trying to get through each week, be with the boys and make this season a special one,” Tabuai-Fidow said.
“I’m a league player for life now. It’s something that I still love and still enjoy doing, and I think that’s the most important thing … that’s what keeps me grounded.”
Fellow outside backs Herbie Farnworth, Selwyn Cobbo and Jack Bostock are in the same contract boat as Tabuai-Fidow, as the Dolphins wait to hear what the salary cap will be raised to after the NRL secured a landmark $5.3 billion broadcast deal to begin from 2028.
While it is a lucrative list of retention priorities, they have money to spend given the losses of Kodi Nikorima (Dragons), Jake Averillo (Tigers), Oryn Keeley and Jamayne Isaako (Storm).
Daniel Saifiti was also forced into medical retirement due to ongoing issues with his shoulder, while England halfback George Williams stands as the Dolphins only 2027 recruit.
And Tabuai-Fidow believes the rapport built between the squad and coach Kristian Woolf will serve as a retention weapon when the superstar quartet finalises their futures.
During the Dolphins’ bye week before Friday’s 28-22 triumph of the Dragons, Woolf joined Tabuai-Fidow on a trip to Thursday Island to conduct school with the Torres Strait community.
As he prepares to don the club’s Indigenous jersey for Saturday night’s Battle of Brisbane clash, the Maroons flyer revealed the way Woolf – who hails from Mount Isa – had developed a care for his players’ cultural backgrounds had been a key factor in his ability to get the best out of his squad.
“Growing up with Indigenous boys and girls, he knows how to work us out and how to get the best out of us, and that’s something special to have,” Tabuai-Fidow said.
“We can go into our shell and be pretty quiet, but I think we’re growing out of that as a culture – being proud, and Woolfy’s proud of that as well. It’s special to have that in a coach.”
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