NRL 2020: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow hits 39km/h in as Cowboys star stuns greats in Souths loss
The NRL’s Usain Bolt is clearly the Cowboys’ Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow after the 18-year-old added to his already bulging highlight reel.
NRL
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The North Queensland Cowboys have taken the South Sydney Rabbitohs down to the wire in a thriller at North Queensland’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville but have ultimately fallen 31-30.
But it was set up by a 14-12 halftime lead as the largely unfancied Cowboys shocked the Rabbitohs with three tries to one in the first half.
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Once again, it was 18-year-old wunderkind Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow who blew the doors off the stadium with a tremendous try.
Thirty metres off their own line, fullback Scott Drinkwater kicked wide for Tabuai-Fidow who burned past Jaxson Paulo and Latrell Mitchell with pure pace.
“We know how quick he is,” Fox League commentator Steve Roach said.
“But what about the speed? He got there before ball had even left the air. To see how quickly he gets across there … hasn’t he got some pace? Once he’s got the footy in the clear, there’s no way you’re going to stop him.
“These are the sort of guys that bring people to our game … you’re going to hear a lot about this guy.”
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Tabuai-Fidow has been one of the big finds of the NRL season with his pure pace a thing of beauty.
With a fastest 100m time of 10.85 seconds, his pace is undeniable after he was discovered during the 2020 NRL Nines when he finished as the equal highest tryscorer.
Queensland great Brent Tate said he was glad the youngster is a local.
“There’s not too many players that simply take your breath away when they get into open space but to just sit back and watch the may he moves, the way he runs, it’s absolutely effortless,” Tate said.
“It’s exciting to watch, what a good one we’ve got up in Townsville.”
But at halftime, it was revealed just how fast he was, looking back at the try as the speed gun recorded a top speed of 39km/h.
For context, Usain Bolt’s world record 100m time of 9.58 seconds is 44.64km/h.
“Look at Hammer just put the foot down,” Cronk said.
“Latrell didn’t even get anywhere near him, he should be sent a fine for his speed there.”
After the vision played, Yvonne Sampson said it was “unbelievable” asking if he hit 39km/h.
Ennis joked “I think I’ve hit 40, 39’s a fair effort” to which Cronk quipped. “Maybe in a car”.
Mal Meninga added that Tabuai – Fidow was “in second gear”.
It was a blistering effort as it takes a lot to make Latrell Mitchell like he’s standing still.
But it ultimately wasn’t enough as Souths pulled off a thrilling comeback, stealing a one-point win with an Adam Reynolds field goal.
In an entertaining match where the momentum shifted wildly, Souths scored through Alex Johnston with five minutes remaining.
While Reynolds missed the kick to tie it up at 30-all, a penalty gave him a second chance.
The halfback then showed nerves of steel to kick a field goal to snatch the win off the Cowboys.
Originally published as NRL 2020: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow hits 39km/h in as Cowboys star stuns greats in Souths loss