North Queensland cowboys coach Todd Payten insists he is “not surprised” at the form of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow since his move to the Dolphins.
Tabuai-Fidow, affectionately known as ‘The Hammer’, has had numerous dazzling displays since moving down south from Townsville and was at his brilliant best with two tries against his former side in a 32-22 win on Saturday.
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It takes his season try tally to a league-leading eight alongside Dolphins teammate Jamayne Isaako as Wayne Bennett’s side continue to surpass all pre-season expectations and sit in fourth spot on the ladder.
Although it’s the Dolphins enjoying the fruits of the Cowboys’ labour in terms of developing Tabuai-Fidow, Payten revealed the team were left with little choice but to let the electrifying fullback go.
“I’m not surprised [at his form],” Payten said in his post-match press conference.
“Look, we made a decision around Hammer based on some of the words and his actions at the back end of last year.
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“I’m not disappointed or bitter about him playing well. He’s a nice kid. He left here a better person and a better footballer.
“The Dolphins are reaping the rewards of some of our hard work and his application and talent on the pitch.”
Tabuai-Fidow inked a two-year deal with the Dolphins last October after falling down the pecking order with the Cowboys.
The 21-year-old suffered a knee injury early last season and allowed Scott Drinkwater to come in and impress at fullback, eventually overtaking the youngster for the role.
Although Tabuai-Fidow made it back to the bench, he was limited to cameos rarely longer than 30 minutes.
But ‘The Hammer’ has taken full advantage of Bennett’s trust in him at the Dolphins and continues to be a pivotal player for the NRL’s newest team.
