Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow plans to keep Kalyn Ponga and Reece Walsh out of key Maroons job
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow had his first taste at what it is like to don the No.1 jersey in the State of Origin arena last year, and he is not going to give that role away without a fight.
The Dolphins star has frequently played in the centres in the representative arena, with the likes of Reece Walsh and Kalyn Ponga tending to get ahead of him on that stage.
Ponga got the nod from Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater for the first two games of the Origin series last year before Tabuai-Fidow stepped into the role due to an injury for the Knights star.
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That decision surprised some given the success of Walsh up to that point, but Tabuai-Fidow refused to let the external noise get in the way of his game.
Queensland went on to win that series finale 24-12 and retain the shield.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow celebrates with Harry Grant. Getty
Meanwhile, Walsh continued to thrive at club level and eventually took home the premiership title with the Brisbane Broncos.
With the next series not due to kick off for another three months, there is no hiding that Slater will endure a tough selection headache when it comes to the No.1 jersey.
Tabuai-Fidow is hopeful he can retain that role in 2026.
"It was a pinch myself movement, especially having that No.1 on my back," Tabuai-Fidow told 9News Queensland.
"It is a position that I love and that I want to play. To be able to play in it at that arena at that level was pretty special.
"I'm chasing that (position) this year as well."
Tabuai-Fidow has not returned to the representative stage since game three of the State of Origin series, having suffered a grade three MCL injury while playing for the Dolphins.
The 24-year-old was unable to take to the field for the All Stars game over the weekend due to a shoulder concern, nor will he feature in the Dolphins' final pre-season match against the Warriors on Friday.
However he insists that his reason for sitting on the sidelines is purely precautionary.
"I am just monitoring it at the moment," he said.
"I don't want to risk getting it more hurt or injured. I will be sweet to go in round one."
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow of the Dolphins celebrates with teammates after scoring a try. Getty
The Dolphins gun has high hopes for the NRL side this year.
"That drive and that hunger that we have now is more than we have had over the last couple of years," he said.
"Where we are at now, we are excited. It should be a good year."
The Dolphins will kick off their season against the Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium on March 8.
