Todd Payten has addressed the rumours surrounding Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow’s return to North Queensland, refusing to close the door on a possible reunion.
"Would I love to have 'Hammer' back in Townsville?" Payten said. "Absolutely."
NRL LATEST NEWS: NRL live ladder | Every NRL club's updated injury list | Every NRL fixture and result for each club
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow contract, latest news: Will Dolphins fullback return to North Queensland Cowboys?
Tabuai-Fidow was granted an early release from his contract with the Cowboys in order to join the Dolphins last season during their inaugural campaign.
The flyer was stuck behind Scott Drinkwater up north and wanted the opportunity to move down to Redcliffe where he could own the No.1 jersey for Wayne Bennett’s side.
The 17th franchise took a chance on the Samoan international, who was coming off the back of a serious injury he sustained in the Rugby Leage World Cup, and were instantly rewarded.
Tabuai-Fidow made a blistering start to life as a Dolphin, scoring a try in each one of his first six appearances for the franchise.
And as he quickly become a cult hero in the game, the Dolphins moved quickly to secure his future by handing him a five-year extension.
Tabuai-Fidow appeared set to be the Dolphins’ No.1 for the foreseeable future after agreeing to improved terms from his initial two-year deal.
However, as the 2024 campaign draws towards an exciting conclusion, rumours have started to swirl around the fullback’s desire to relocate back home.
MORE: Who will play NRL Finals? Assessing every club's chances of making the top-eight
"Hammer is a really, really good player and I was really sorry to see him go," Payten said, while discussing the situation ahead of his side’s Round 22 clash with the Wests Tigers.
"He took an opportunity to play fullback and he’s gone and done that. He’s done terrifically well."
The 22-year-old has become an undeniable NRL star and also established himself as a favourite of Queensland coach Billy Slater.
Tabuai-Fidow has featured in all six games of the past two Origin series, crossing for eight tries in total and impressing the Maroons with his ability to play in the centres and at fullback when required.
However, his rapid rise to the upper echelon of the game will make it difficult for the Cowboys to strike a deal, if he is released from the Dolphins.
The club have extended a number of their stars on long-term deals, including Drinkwater, Tom Dearden and Jeremiah Nanai to apply significant strain on their salary cap.
Although Valentine Holmes is set to hit the open market to test his value and Jason Taumalolo’s future remains clouded despite three years still remaining on his mammoth deal.
"The Hammer is an Origin player," Payten stated. "And I’m always looking to have good players at our club."
