Hammer time as flyer gets big debut
IT WILL not be his pace that sends Hamiso Tabuai-fidow to great heights in the NRL.
According to Cowboys legend Matt Bowen, it will be the 18-year-old’s character that stands tallest.
The former fullback will watch on eagerly as TabuaiFidow makes his NRL debut against the Warriors at Central Coast Stadium tonight.
Bowen was one of the young flyer’s best mentors, having guided him into a professional system at the Townsville Blackhawks last season.
At first he said they did not know what to expect from Tabuai-fidow, having only seen some highlights videos.
What came under Bowen’s wing was a lightning quick and eager youngster who was willing to do all he could to take his game further.
“He’ll be a good fit (in the NRL) and if he keeps his head on his shoulders he’ll go places. We saw what he could do at the Nines,” Bowen said.
“I think he’s just a good kid.
“He’s willing to learn, he asks for stuff from previous games and he tries to learn.
“It’s a good sign for a young kid, and no doubt he’ll learn a lot more and take it on board.”
Asked who was quicker – Tabuai-fidow ( pictured) or Bowen himself in his prime – the former Cowboys fullback said the young gun had his measure. Bowen said Tabuai-fidow “just runs as fast as he wants to”, making what his true pace was difficult to determine. However, there is ingenuity in his game that, with game time and confidence, will come to the fore.
In just six Mal Meninga Cup games, Tabuai-fidow scored 13 tries, while his exploits at this year’s Perth Nines showcased an instinctive kicking game for a pair of runaway four-pointers.
Bowen said a lot of players in the NRL were quick so tonight’s clash would indeed be a big test for him.
That test will feature the likes of former Dally M Medal winner Roger Tuivasa-sheck, but Bowen believed TabuaiFidow’s attributes would come out with time.
“It’s natural ability. In the Nines he was pretty electric. I think he can make stuff out of nothing – he’s got those plays in him,” Bowen said.
“It’ll be a big day for him and his family as well. He’s got a big future if he can keep his head down and keep working hard. “He just needs to get into the game and enjoy it. It (your first game) is something you remember for a long time.
“This is when he wants to play his best footy and he gets a crack this weekend.”