Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow’s signing injected more than one of the NRL’s fastest players into the Dolphins’ inaugural side.
The move proved a catalyst for unforeseen interest in the outfit, and set the tone for future recruitment.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow declared his shift from the Cowboys the best career move he could have made, adamant something “special” was developing in Redcliffe.Credit: Dolphins Media
Donned “the Hammer”, Tabuai-Fidow landed on the Dolphins’ doorstep by chance – having been released by the North Queensland Cowboys to enable him the chance to cement himself as a first-grade fullback.
Speaking after the club confirmed its membership had surpassed 30,000, CEO Terry Reader said securing Tabuai-Fidow – and his blistering start to 2023 which led to a State of Origin recall – provided the launch pad for the Dolphins.
From there, Maroons prop Tom Flegler, English international Herbie Farnworth and Bulldogs livewire Jake Averillo inked deals to join coach Wayne Bennett, and while Reader declared discussions were under way regarding who would follow suit, they would remain patient in their recruitment drive.
“The funny thing is when we did sign the Hammer … we were really lucky to get Hamiso. I think that was the first time people stopped and took notice of our squad,” Reader said.
“We’d been busily building a squad, but everyone was infatuated with who might play five-eighth in 2024.
“They hadn’t really taken any notice of who we had built.
“We obviously have got a few ideas about what we need to strengthen, and we’re working on that, but it’s not just about 2024, it’s about 2025 and 2026 and how with guys coming off contract how we strengthen our squad.
“I think, no matter what happens in recruitment, you’re not at the luxury of being able to pick and choose what you want when you want.
Tabuai-Fidow: “I think when I do have fun out there I play my best footy.”Credit: Getty
“We’re going to wait until the right person is available. You can always manoeuvre your cap to work over the years, so if anyone comes available we’d be in the conversation.”
Tabuai-Fidow has gone on to thrive in a unit which has succumbed to a host of suspensions, injuries and squad fatigue in the final three months of the season.
The Dolphins have lost their past six clashes despite a promising start to the campaign.
Ahead of the Dolphins’ final match against the Warriors on Saturday, the 21-year-old has scored 15 tries and made 10 line breaks from his 19 appearances, averaging 146 metres and more than four tackle busts a game.
And he declared his shift from the Cowboys the best career move he could have made, adamant something “special” was developing in Redcliffe.
“I’ve enjoyed footy more playing down here, I’ve gone out with a smile on my face and I think when I do have fun out there I play my best footy,” Tabuai-Fidow said.
“The season I’ve had I’ve been pretty happy, and I think I’m only going to go up from there as well.
“It was the unknown, a club coming into the NRL for the first time, I was sort of scared, but I was pretty excited as well.
“What we’ve built this year has been pretty special, and I think we’re still on the way up as well.”
