Hammer is nailing it
SECRET DRIVING TEEN FLYER’S METEORIC RISE
THE meteoric rise of Hamiso Tabuai-fidow has shown no signs of stopping.
But off the back of the biggest week of his life, let alone rugby league career, it has been the influence he now has on young lives which drives him the most.
At age 19, the Hammer has captured the attention and imaginations of rugby league pundits across the country, his lightning speed and infectious attitude quickly making him a fan favourite.
After his victorious tryscoring exploits for Queensland in his Origin debut, the teen flyer almost single handily steered the Cowboys to a win against the Roosters.
When he crossed the line for the Maroons on Wednesday night, the second showing of the ‘ hammerhead shark’ try celebration came out.
Ever since becoming an ambassador for Cowboys House, the teenage wunderkind has become even more engrossed in his Indigenous culture.
Tabuai-fidow has always been proud of his upbringing, but now he is a beacon of inspiration for a group of kids who were just like him.
Surreal though it is for the emerging star, given less than two years ago he was graduating from Kirwan State High School, it is a job he considers more of an honour.
“Being Indigenous and proud of having an Indigenous background, the shark is one of my totems,” Tabuai-fidow explained of his celebration.
“I just go out there to show the young Indigenous kids they can be whatever they want to be when they grow up. I’m passionate about it.
“Going from graduating a couple of years ago to making my debut for the Cowboys and in Origin, it’s been a hectic couple of years.
“But I’ve enjoyed every step that I’ve taken. It just shows you can do whatever you want if you put your mind to it.”
Tabuai-fidow was the centre of attention in Saturday’s 34-18 loss in Townsville, running for 253 metres and busting eight tackles, while making two line breaks and scoring a try in the process.
Given the chance to play his preferred fullback position in the absence of injured Valentine Holmes, he is intent on announcing himself as the club’s long-term No.1.
The demands of being an NRL custodian are still ones Tabuai-fidow is adjusting to, limping in discomfort as his calves began to cramp the end of the loss to the Roosters.
But despite the pain, despite the disappointment of another Cowboys loss, he was on cloud nine.
In the blink of an eye he has gone from the electric talent who lit up the Perth Nines last year to among rugby league’s elite and impressing in the brutally tough Origin arena.
The trick now for TabuaiFidow is to bottle this form.
Still so young and raw in the NRL, many a rugby league rising star before him has failed to groom their potential into a consistent and dominant career.
It is a test North Queensland coach Todd Payten is wary of.
The still developing teenager showed signs of wear and tear post-game at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, and will be crucial to his side’s prospects against the Storm on Friday night.
Payten said he would be keeping a watchful eye on the prodigious talent, and ensure the excitement around his ascent was managed.
“It’s always the challenge; he’s a young kid, he’s 19, he’s played the biggest game of his life,” he said.
“It’s emotionally draining, not just physically. I think with all the hype around him and the game it’s going to be a challenge for him.
“We will look after him, maybe not this week but definitely moving forward from this next round we have a longer week (before a game against Brisbane) and we’ll be making sure he gets enough rest and recovery.”
Tabuai-fidow is expected to be named at fullback again for Friday’s clash against the Storm, with the Cowboys determined to arrest a five-game losing streak.