LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Dolphins star Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has declared his intention to represent Samoa in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
Due to a knee injury, Tabuai-Fidow did not face any pressure in choosing between Australia, currently engaged in the Ashes in England, and Samoa, which is competing in the Pacific Championships against Tonga and New Zealand.
The talented fullback and centre, who notably shone for Queensland during the 2025 State of Origin series, has experience with both international teams. He represented Samoa once in 2022 and played for Australia six times in 2023 and 2024.
Now, he has confirmed his focus will be on Samoa, which made history in the last World Cup held in England in 2021 by becoming the first non-Tier 1 nation to reach the final.
This decision aligns with Payne Haas's choice to play for Samoa in the current Pacific Championships, signaling a potentially stable commitment as Samoa aims to construct a competitive squad to contend with New Zealand, England, and Australia in the upcoming World Cup.
Samoa's head coach, Ben Gardiner, expressed excitement about Tabuai-Fidow's commitment. "We're thrilled to welcome Hamiso into the Toa Samoa family," Gardiner stated.