The Dolphins have re-signed star fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to a new contract that will keep him at the club until at least the end of the 2029 season, announcing the deal just one day after players were allowed to negotiate with rival clubs following the expiry of the NRL's November 1 deadline.
Tabuai-Fidow, 25, has been a key figure for the Dolphins since becoming a member of their inaugural side in 2023, scoring the club's first NRL try. The Queensland State of Origin star has scored 66 tries in 78 appearances for the club and was instrumental in their deep finals run in 2026.
The re-signing is a significant coup for the club, which faces a battle to retain other star players including Herbie Farnworth and Jack Bostock. Dolphins chief executive Terry Reader said Tabuai-Fidow has been part of some of the biggest moments in the club's short history, calling him a player who can change a game in an instant. "Hammer's re-signing shows the environment we have built at the Dolphins is something that players value, as is being a part of a squad that will continue to challenge every season," Reader said.
At the Rugby League World Cup, Tabuai-Fidow has scored three tries and averaged 162 running metres, helping Samoa qualify for a semi-final against Australia.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The Dolphins secure one of their most important players, providing roster stability as they face competition for other key talent.
- Tabuai-Fidow's commitment signals confidence in the club's direction and environment, reinforcing their ability to attract and retain top players.
- The quick deal suggests the club prioritised locking in their marquee player before focusing on other negotiations.
Background
The Dolphins entered the NRL in 2023 and have quickly become a competitive force, reaching the preliminary final in 2026. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, nicknamed "The Hammer", has been with the club from its first season and is known for his try-scoring ability. He also represents Queensland in State of Origin and Samoa internationally.
What to Watch
- The status of Herbie Farnworth and Jack Bostock as they hit the open market.
- Tabuai-Fidow's performance in the upcoming Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Australia.
- The Dolphins' ability to retain their core roster while building on their recent finals success.
Checked
12 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 12 supported.
Show each claim
- SupportedThe Dolphins re-signed Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow on a deal keeping him at the club until at least the end of 2029.WA Today - Latest News: “Tabuai-Fidow was also off-contract at the end of the 2027 season, but the Dolphins signed a new deal that will keep him at the club until at least the end of 2029.”
- SupportedThe deal came just one day after players were allowed to speak to rival clubs following the November 1 deadline.WA Today - Latest News: “With players now allowed to speak to rival clubs since the November 1 deadline expired”
- SupportedTabuai-Fidow is 25.WA Today - Latest News: “The 25-year-old was a member of their inaugural side”
- SupportedTabuai-Fidow was a member of the Dolphins’ inaugural side.WA Today - Latest News: “The 25-year-old was a member of their inaugural side and scored their first NRL try in 2023.”
- SupportedTabuai-Fidow scored the Dolphins’ first NRL try in 2023.WA Today - Latest News: “The 25-year-old was a member of their inaugural side and scored their first NRL try in 2023.”
- SupportedTabuai-Fidow has scored 66 tries in 78 appearances for the Dolphins.WA Today - Latest News: “Since joining from North Queensland, Tabuai-Fidow has also scored 66 tries in 78 appearances.”
- SupportedTabuai-Fidow is a Queensland State of Origin star.WA Today - Latest News: “The Queensland State of Origin star was instrumental to the club’s deep finals run in 2026”
- SupportedTabuai-Fidow was instrumental in the Dolphins’ deep finals run in 2026.WA Today - Latest News: “The Queensland State of Origin star was instrumental to the club’s deep finals run in 2026”
- SupportedThe Dolphins face a battle to retain Herbie Farnworth and Jack Bostock.WA Today - Latest News: “the Redcliffe-based team face a battle to retain the star-studded roster that took them to NRL’s preliminary final last season. Some of those names include Englishman Herbie Farnworth and star outside back Jack Bostock”
- SupportedTerry Reader said Tabuai-Fidow had been part of some of the biggest moments in the club’s short history.WA Today - Latest News: ““Hamiso has been part of some of the biggest moments in our club’s short history, from scoring our first-ever NRL try to helping us reach our first finals series,” Reader said.”
- SupportedReader said: “Hammer's re-signing shows the environment we have built at the Dolphins is something that players value, as is being a part of a squad that will continue to challenge every season.”WA Today - Latest News: ““Hammer’s re-signing shows the environment we have built at the Dolphins is something that players value, as is being a part of a squad that will continue to challenge every season.””
- SupportedAt the Rugby League World Cup, Tabuai-Fidow had scored three tries and averaged 162 running metres, helping Samoa qualify for a semi-final against Australia.WA Today - Latest News: “At the global showpiece, the fullback nicknamed “The Hammer” has scored three tries and averaged 162 running metres to help his country qualify for a semi-final against Australia on Sunday.”