Testing times in house
TOWNSVILLE housemates Hamiso Tabuai-fidow and Griffin Neame are more used to sharing chores than facing each other on the rugby league field.
But the young footy talents will have no qualms putting their mateship to one side when Australia takes on New Zealand in this weekend’s international junior clash in Brisbane.
Tabuai-fidow and Neame will represent Australian Schoolboys and Junior Kiwis respectively in the big game on the back of their impressive form for the Townsville Blackhawks under-18 and under-20 teams.
The pair are signed with the North Queensland Cowboys and believe they are in the right place to chase their NRL dreams.
Tabuai-fidow hails from Cairns and moved into the house of Mervyn Ackers and Charity Steward earlier this year. Neame moved in last year after relocating from his native New Zealand.
“It’s pretty cool, it’s helps a lot staying with a good family,” said Tabuai-fidow, who is finishing his final year of school at Kirwan High.
“They do a lot for us and we can’t thank them enough, and Griffin’s a good fella.
Neame added: “It’s like having a home away from home. It’s awesome here.”
The pair are looking forward to Sunday’s clash.
“I’m pretty pumped, these opportunities are really special,” Neame said.
“When I found out the news I was selected it was overwhelming, you grow up dreaming of playing for your country.”
Tabuai-fidow said he was just as excited to represent his country.
“It’s a huge honour,” Tabuai-fidow said.
The pair have flown out to their respective team camps and will remain there until game day, with the clash being held as a curtain-raiser to the Queensland Cup final between Wynnum-manly and Burleigh.
“They’re like two kids in a pond, they’re like brothers,” said Ms Steward, who has accommodated numerous young rugby league players over the years with her partner Mervyn.
“They’re great young men and they do their bit around the house to help out.
“We like to have a family day once a week where we go to the movies, dinner or something like that.”