Indigenous All Stars power couple Jamie Chapman and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to make history

They may not be the most famous sporting couple in Australia, but they are undoubtedly the fastest, and on Saturday night Jaime Chapman and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will make rugby league history.

They’re the NRL’s newest power couple destined to celebrate Valentines Day, or at least the day after it, on the footy field – and in matching outfits no less.

The Indigenous All Stars camp holds a special spot in the hearts of both Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Jaime Chapman as it was the place they first crossed paths two years ago.

A couple of years on and it’s blossomed into a romance that has seemingly rivalled the sporting romance of Nathan Cleary and Mary Fowler.

Typically, the pair would wear different jerseys with Tabuai-Fidow representing the Dolphins and Queensland, while Chapman plays for Gold Coast and NSW.

But Saturday night’s All Stars game will mark the first time a rugby league couple play on the same night, for the same respective teams, in the same position.

(L-R) All Stars rugby league players Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Jaime Chapman. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Speaking about their relationship for the first time since going public in early December, Chapman described how special it was to celebrate the occasion together with the ‘Hammer’.

“It’s pretty special that we are playing first for the same team, but also the No. 1 jersey. It’s rare but something really cool we can share together,” Chapman told this masthead.

“Getting to spend time together in camp and experience this with him, and both go out there and give it our best, is amazing.”

One of the best centres in the NRLW, having played just one game at fullback in her career, Chapman sought advice from Tabuai-Fidow ahead of the game.

And the Maroons star was more than happy to share some tips to get some brownie points.

“I definitely asked him for a few tips because he’s a full-time fullback, whereas I’m a centre,” Chapman said.

“He was fully supportive of me (playing the position) and I reciprocate that back to him.”

One aspect Chapman shares with Tabuai-Fidow is their penchant for speed.

Having scored arguably the most iconic women’s try to date, which showcased how fast she is in last year’s State of Origin, the pair may also take the title of the NRL’s fastest couple.

“He’s got me, he’s got me from a mile away,” Chapman said, when asked whether she could match him in a track meet.

“I have definitely caught him though.

“He’s not fast enough, hasn’t gotten away from me yet.”

Playing just over two hours before the men’s game, which kicks off at 8:10pm, Chapman will be rushing into the sheds to get ready to watch Tabuai-Fidow star in his third All Stars match.

Representing Saibai Island in the Torres Strait, Tabuai-Fidow has taken up a senior role in this year’s camp.

This will see him lead a special Torres Strait traditional dance during the pre-game war dances, which Chapman won’t be missing for the world.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow of the Indigenous All Stars runs with the ball during NRL Indigenous All Stars Captains Run at CommBank Stadium on February 14. Picture: Getty Images

“I’m going to make sure I’m there for the start of his game. I’m going to have to rush into the shed and get changed, but I’ll be there,” she said.

Representing the Indigenous team for the second time, Chapman also opened up on what it meant to represent the people who have given her the opportunity to wear her colours.

“We aren’t just running out there by ourselves. It’s our ancestors pushing us forward, we are representing more than our last names on our backs,” she said.

Hoping to round out a very special week with a win, Chapman and Tabuai-Fidow won’t be staying in Sydney for long after Saturday’s game, turning her attention to the NRLW season.

After a disappointing year that saw the Titans miss out on the finals, Chapman believes the team has made the necessary adjustments to right the wrongs of last year.

“We are putting all our eggs into the Titans basket this year, and I think we are going to come away with the gold medal,” Chapman said.

Originally published as Indigenous All Stars power couple Jamie Chapman and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to make history