Crash: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow’s safe hands make him the Maroons’ No.1 fullback option

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is understood to be under pressure for the fullback role for Queensland. Here is why he should stay, writes ROBERT CRADDOCK.

If Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow becomes Queensland’s State of Origin hero on Wednesday it may not be because of his flashing feet – he has another secret weapon.

Two of them, in fact … his hands.

As the argument about whether Reece Walsh may or should replace the Hammer as the Maroons custodian for game three rages on, a key asset of the Dolphins fullback has been underplayed or ignored.

He has superb hands under pressure. That’s not me talking. Stats tell the story.

In 14 matches for the Dolphins this season, the Hammer has made just seven errors. Reece Walsh has made 21 from four fewer games while fellow fullbacks Ryan Papenhuyzen and Scott Drinkwater have made 24 each.

In the Dolphins first season the Hammer’s clean up skills under the high ball were so impressive former Redcliffe great Chris Close said he reminded him of that club’s sturdy custodian of the 1970s and 80s, cult hero Ian “Bunny’’ Pearce.

Catching high balls under pressure or swooping on dangerous grubbers close to the line may not grab headlines but stuff them up and you lose Origin games.

There is speculation that Walsh could be inserted into the team from 18th man on match day but selector Darren Lockyer indicated in his Sunday-Mail column that Tabuai-Fidow would play at fullback.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has safe hands. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

OVERRATED?

Is Lachlan Galvin all that he is cracked up to be?

A magnificently revved up, undermanned yet ultimately successful Broncos side comfortably contained the only rugby league player to have a scrap book thicker than Donald Trump’s when the Broncos upset the Bulldogs on Friday night.

Galvin had some bright moments – and we know he is only 19 – but he hardly looked the generational talent he has been promoted as.

PUFFING BILLY

Billy Walters has shown resilience this season. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Billy Walters had challenges on all fronts this season but has done well to show notable resilience and character.

The Broncos hooker had to deal with the painful exit of his father Kevin as coach and then his own demotion from a starting role.

But over the past month he has sparked some genuine snap and crackle in the Broncos attack and has been a key man in their form resurgence.

COACH CAM

Cameron Smith and Brad Fittler in commentary duty. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Wayne Bennett has been talked about as the next Australian coach but surely it is Cameron Smith’s time to shine.

Rugby league needs fresh blood among its coaches. Bennett, of course, would do a fine job and is a wonderful representative coach but Smith as a Storm, Queensland and Australian captain, was superb and it’s time to see what he has got as a coach. No-one read the game better. No one played smarter. He emerged from his mega-long career without a scratch.

TITANS TOUGH CHOICE

If, as expected, Des Hasler parts with the Gold Coast Titans at the end of the season they face a difficult choice to replace him.

It’s because most style options have been exhausted. The Titans have blooded coaches like Justin Holbrook and Garth Brennan and now tried experienced mentor Hasler.

Kevin Walters must be in the mix while former Manly hooker Matt Ballin, the South Burnett schoolteacher’s son who played 220 first grade games for Manly and Wests after being rejected by the Broncos, is quietly gathering experience as an assistant Broncos and Queensland coach and is worthy of a role of greater prominence.

Originally published as Crash: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow’s safe hands make him the Maroons’ No.1 fullback option