Why the Hammer's move to fullback should have NSW fans worried

Charles Goodsir • July 8th, 2025 1:33 pm

Queensland Maroons fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has been given full licence to roam the park according to assistant coach Matt Ballin.

Following the season ending lisfranc injury to Kalyn Ponga, Tabuai-Fidow has shifted from the wing to fullback. In fact, the 23-year-old has become the first player to start in three different positions across three separate Origin games in the same series.

Ballin told SEN that head coach Billy Slater will allow his strike weapon to drift in and out of position to open up Queensland’s attack.

“Kalyn Ponga will typically leave the two halves to play on the big side (of the ground),” Ballin said on SENQ Breakfast.

“Hammer (Tabuai-Fidow) is so quick that if he sees something he doesn’t like on the short side, he can get out of shape on the long side.

“That’s a really dangerous part of our attack in our game that we want to use.

“Billy has been great given he’s had that experience as (Queensland) fullback. He’s given Hammer licence to roam and produce his magic.

“I’m really excited for him to get some ball and see what he can do.”

SEN’s Corey Parker believes the selection of Tabuai-Fidow at fullback is a masterstroke and is a clear point of difference between Queensland and NSW on Wednesday night.

“I love that Hammer is back at number one,” Parker said on SENQ Breakfast.

“There were a few defensive reads from Hammer in Game I when he was playing in the centres that led to a couple of NSW tries.

“He’s a much freer player in the number one jersey. He gets the chance to roam and any quick play through the middle, he’ll be there to pounce.”

Queensland have not won an Origin decider in Sydney since 2013.