Cairns products Jeremiah Nanai and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow set to represent Queensland in State of Origin

A former teacher of Queensland State of Origin reps Jeremiah Nanai and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow revealed the disappointment which sparked a rugby league transformation at their old school.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow getting a workout in during his schooling days at Trinity Bay State High School. Picture: Supplied

When Jeremiah Nanai and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow take the field for Queensland’s State of Origin side next week, one school community in particular will be swelling with pride.

Trinity Bay State High School – nestled right in the heart of Cairns – was where both Nanai and Tabuai-Fidow went to school for several years before their sporting careers really took off.

It’s a bittersweet moment in some ways though, as the pair’s time at Trinity Bay was cut short as a result of the school’s lack of an elite rugby league program through the senior years.

The school’s manager for their Rugby League School of Excellence, Shannon Riles, has revealed how the pair sparked a major change in their pathways program.

Tabuai-Fidow receiving his Senior Sportsman of the Year award from Trinity Bay State High School. Picture: Supplied

“They weren’t able to finish their schooling with us and had to go elsewhere, to Kirwan State High School (in Townsville) for instance,” Riles said.

“That reality was a key driver behind us building the rugby league program we have today, where there is now that pathway here where the kids can stay local.

“We always wished them well and wanted them to succeed, but we also believed they would’ve loved it even more if they could’ve chased their dream while being back home in Cairns, and we’re glad to be able to offer that now.”

Riles revealed that both players’ future as eventual State of Origin representatives was starting to crystallise during their time at the school.

Nanai pictured receiving an award for his selection in the Australian Schoolboys under-15 side in 2018. Picture: Supplied

“It was pretty clear early that they were special talents. They were a consistent feature in representative rugby league teams, and across a wide variety of sports as well,” Riles said.

“It was pretty highly publicised that Hamiso had a chance at an AFL career as well, and Jeremiah was just a beast at everything, he had skills in all sports.”

Their natural gifts were clear early on, but Riles said there was far more to it than that.

“You would think that as a young guy that Jeremiah was dominating because of his size.

“Really it was because of his ball skills and his desire to win and his work ethic.

“But at the same time, they were humble, shy, friendly kids who were just outstanding talents.

“You can never say for certain when they’re younger, but it was fairly clear to us that they had a future in rugby league.”

Riles revealed that their dominance on the field didn’t lead to arrogance or showmanship off it.

Nanai (middle) and Tabuai-Fidow (right) were teammates with North Queensland Cowboys for two seasons. They’re pictured celebrating with Kyle Feldt in 2022. Picture: NRL Images

“They never really loved the limelight or the accolades, they just wanted to play footy,” he said.

“They were always the teacher’s favourites, they were never focused on showing off, they did their talking on the rugby league field.”

Riles said the entire school community looks to the pair as people to aspire to.

“Everyone from Trinity Bay knows and looks up to Jeremiah and Hamiso, including kids with little interest in rugby league,” Riles said.

“They just represent themselves, their families and the community so well, they’re hard to not want to be like.

“There’s not too many schools out there that can claim two State of Origin representatives in the same team, but we can, and that’s something pretty special and worth celebrating.

“For our kids to be able to see what they’re doing and be inspired, there’s no greater role model or inspiration for them.”

Originally published as Cairns products Jeremiah Nanai and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow set to represent Queensland in State of Origin