Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow reveals try celebration is a symbol of his Indigenous heritage

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow wants to clear the air. A common misconception is that the star fullback is merely embracing his club’s ‘Phins Up’ motto with his try celebration. However, the truth runs much deeper.

Maroons flyer Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow wants to clear the air.

He’s heard the rumours, stories and fake news flying around.

It’s time the NRL learnt the truth about the Dolphins speedster and that famous try celebration.

You know, the one where the NRL’s leading tryscorer this season leaps off the ground after burning his opponents with one hand above his head and the other outstretched behind his back?

It looks awfully like the ‘Phins Up’ motto that has become the Dolphins’ catchcry since entering the NRL in 2023.

But it’s not. The celebration runs much deeper than a marketing gimmick for ‘The Hammer’.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has opened up on the meaning of his iconic try celebration

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow’s trademark celebration might not have the meaning you think. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

It’s a symbol of his Indigenous heritage and has been part of Tabuai-Fidow’s family story for thousands of years.

“Obviously people think it’s a ‘Phins Up’ but it’s not,” he said.

“It’s one of my totems being the shark.

“It’s about showcasing my culture out there.

“It’s always special to showcase it on the big screen and on the big stage.”

Tabuai-Fidow’s father Simon has Samoan heritage and his mother Karina’s family hails from the Torres Strait Islands.

Her family’s totems are the shark and cassowary and Tabuai-Fidow now has an opportunity to present them to the world.

One of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow’s totems is the shark. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“My Torres Strait heritage means a lot to me,” Tabuai-Fidow said.

“I started doing it in 2021 in Indigenous Round which made it extra special.

“It’s cool when you see little kids doing it as well. It’s a special feeling to be able to represent my culture.”

Tabuai-Fidow, 23, has had plenty of opportunities to pull out the shark fin this year.

He has scored 15 tries in 14 NRL appearances for the Dolphins and bagged a double for Queensland in Origin II in Perth.

However he picks and chooses his moments. The vibe has to be right.

The celebration has been seen at all representative levels. Picture: NRL Photos

That might explain why he didn’t do it when he scored the Dolphins’ first ever try in the NRL back in round 1 of the 2023 season at Suncorp Stadium.

It seemed like the perfect moment but Tabuai-Fidow held back.

“Sometimes I don’t want to do it too early,” he said.

“Especially if we’re down on the scoreboard or if it’s an early try. It has to be the right moment and the right time.

“But I try to do it as much as I can.”

The Cairns-born Tabuai-Fidow didn’t have to look far to find inspiration in his childhood when it came to Indigenous idols.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is a proud to represent his Indigenous heritage. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

Legendary North Queensland Cowboys fullback Matty Bowen was just down the highway in Townsville, lighting up the NRL with his fleet footwork and instinctive brilliance.

A generation of footballers grew up idolising Bowen in the far north and Tabuai-Fidow was one of them.

“The first player I looked up to was Matty Bowen,” he said.

“Especially him being from up north. He’s a Hope Vale boy and that’s not too far from Cairns.

Tabuai-Fidow looked up to Matty Bowen. Picture: Brett Costello

“Watching him when I was growing up was pretty special. He played for the Cowboys as well, so it was close to home.

“The things he did on the field were amazing to watch and I still watch his highlights now.”

Tabuai-Fidow will pull on the Queensland No. 1 jersey for the first time in Wednesday’s Origin series decider against the Blues at Sydney’s Accor Stadium.

It will be his 10th appearance for the Maroons in an Origin career that’s already netted 11 tries.

He pipped Broncos sensation Reece Walsh for the Maroons fullback duties. It was a close call but Hammer’s form was too hard for Queensland coach Billy Slater to ignore.

Tabuai-Fidow will be sniffing around the ruck looking for half an opportunity. That’s all he needs to put on the afterburners and out-run probably every rival in the NRL.

The decider lands in the middle of NAIDOC Week and you can bet the fin celebration will come out if Tabuai-Fidow can find the tryline.

“I am proud of where I come from and this week being NAIDOC week, it’s big for our culture and it’s where everyone comes together and showcases their culture and their art,” he said.

“I’ve had a good season (with the Dolphins) and I think that is from just having trust in the team and just going out there and playing footy.

“When I’m not thinking too much about it I excel more and I’m just playing out there freely and playing my best footy.”

Originally published as Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow reveals try celebration is a symbol of his Indigenous heritage