HAMMER AND TONGS
Pride and passion driving Cairns flyer Tabuai-Fidow’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 just 19, The Hammer has captured the attention and imaginations of rugby league pundits across the country, his lightning speed and infectious grin quickly making him a fan favourite.
After his victorious try scoring exploits for Queensland in his State of Origin debut, Tabuai-Fidow almost single handily steered the Cowboys to a win against the Sydney Roosters, only for ill-discipline elsewhere to cost them.
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 plethora 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 far more 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 to do if you put your mind to it.”
Tabuai-Fidow was the centre of attention in the Cowboys’ 34-18 loss to the Roosters at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday afternoon, running for 253 metres and busting eight tackles, while making two line breaks and scoring a brilliant try in the process.
Given the chance to play his preferred fullback position in the injury absence of Valentine Holmes, he is intent on announcing himself as the club’s long-term number one.
The demands of being an NRL custodian are still ones Tabuai-Fidow is adjusting to, limping in discomfort as his calves began to cramp in the final minutes of the weekend’s clash. But despite the pain – and 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 State of Origin arena.
However there was one moment from the experience which deflated him.
Ever since Tabuai-Fidow burst on to the scene, a question has lingered.
Is he faster than Melbourne’s Josh Addo-Carr?
In the first half of Queensland’s triumph, The Foxx swooped on a loose ball which was called back for a knock on.
For a fleeting second NRL fans were set to be treated to the foot race everybody wants to see.
Now, the wait continues. “I was a bit off with them blowing the whistle because everyone has asked me who’s faster,” Tabuai-Fidow confessed with a laugh.
“That would’ve shown who’s faster then. I was pretty keen to have that race with him, hopefully some time down the track it happens.
“The atmosphere just running out there in a Maroons jersey I’m still buzzing now.
“I’m still pinching myself I did make my debut, I loved it out there and loved playing for my state. I was over the moon to be out there. Playing in that Origin arena it has given me a big confidence boost.”
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 at the top level.
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 assent 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 and we’ll be making sure he gets enough rest and recovery.”