Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow speaks on girlfriend Jaime Chapman’s deepfake Instagram attack
Maroons weapon Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has slammed the trolls attacking girlfriend Jaime Chapman as police close in on the culprits behind the deepfake photos targeting the Blues star.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Maroons weapon Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has slammed the trolls attacking girlfriend Jaime Chapman as police close in on the culprits behind the scandal targeting the NSW Blues star.
Chapman became the centre of drama last week after deepfake images of the Gold Coast Titans NRLW player started circulating online.
The images from Chapman’s social media account had been altered using artificial intelligence, making her appear nude.
Chapman took to Instagram to clear up confusion around the saga, with the NRL Integrity Unit calling in NSW Police to probe the attacks.
Detectives from Auburn Police Command are continuing to investigate the source of the images.
If Chapman was rattled by the saga, she didn’t show it on the field, playing a starring role in NSW’s women’s Origin series victory against Queensland last week.
But Dolphins and Queensland speedster Tabuai-Fidow wasn’t happy about the attacks on his partner.
“Yeah (it makes me angry), I want to keep her happy and not let her get in her own head,” he said.
“We are supportive of each other. I will support her in any way I can.
“It’s pretty crazy what people can do, especially with AI. It’s sad and I feel for her as well.
“It’s all getting sorted out. We need to put it behind us and move on.”
The ‘Hammer’ said he had been blown away by Chapman’s mental strength to put the saga to the side and star on the field for the Blues.
She scored a scintillating solo try as NSW regained the women’s shield in Game Two at Allianz Stadium.
Tabuai-Fidow is hoping to use Chapman’s performance as inspiration when the men’s Origin series kicks off at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.
“She is mentally strong,” Tabuai-Fidow said.
“I am supportive of her and what she needs. Whenever she needs help I’m there and give her my thoughts.
“She handles things well.”
Tabuai-Fidow and Chapman went public with their blossoming romance late last year.
Since then they have been spotted on the sidelines at each other’s games when their schedules align. A Titans NRLW player, Chapman attended the Dolphins’ season launch alongside Tabuai-Fidow.
After a slow start to the season, Tabuai-Fidow exploded with a trademark performance against the Titans on the Gold Coast in round 5, with Chapman watching on at her home ground.
Even though he is a Maroon, Tabuai-Fidow was in the NSW women’s dressing rooms supporting Chapman after the Blues beat Queensland in Game One at Suncorp a few weeks ago.
Chapman was at Suncorp last weekend watching Tabuai-Fidow sew up his Maroons jersey in the Dolphins’ loss to the Warriors but she won’t be in the grandstand on Wednesday night.
Instead, she will be in Newcastle preparing for Thursday’s women’s Origin finale, where the Blues are targeting a 3-nil series clean sweep.
Tabuai-Fidow said Chapman was the more ‘professional’ of the duo but their relationship wasn’t just about footy.
“It’s a bit funny that she’s a Blue and I’m a Maroon,” he said.
“I support her and whatever team she plays for. I know she will be doing the same for me.
“I’m proud of her and all the achievements she has. Queensland didn’t get the win (in the women’s) but I’m super proud of Jaime and what she’s done.
“It’s pretty cool (to have a partner in the NRLW). We are both pretty relaxed people, it’s not all about footy.
“You’d think it would be but it’s not. We enjoy things outside of footy and when it comes to footy, it’s game on.
“She has a better diet and is well-trained and very disciplined. I learn from her and she learns some things from me.”
A fullback for the Dolphins, Tabuai-Fidow has found a home in Origin in the centres.
He will confront either Latrell Mitchell or Stephen Crichton, both in tremendous form, and is hoping Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga can help him find his best.
“We all know what type of player he (Ponga) is and what he can create,” he said.
“It will be special to run off him and build that combination. That’s the important thing.
“They (Mitchell and Crichton) are world class players but I’m not too worried about them.
“I’m worried about my game, what I can do and bring to the team.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow speaks on girlfriend Jaime Chapman’s deepfake Instagram attack
$2m reason NRL coach is dead man walking
Newcastle Knights coach Adam O’Brien has been urged to listen to Andrew Johns as an uncomfortable cloud bears down on him.
‘Didn’t think it would end like this’: Dragons veteran forced into retirement
He may have never been the face of an NRL advertising campaign or pictured up on billboards. But a Dragons favourite will leave a greater legacy following his shock retirement call.
Star’s wife calls out disgusting abuse
An NRLW veteran has been subjected to horrific social media abuse with her partner pleading for it to come to an end.
Late Mail: Eels to hand NRL debut to youngster, Manly star ruled out
The Eels will give an NRL debut to a talented young prospect, while a Manly star has been ruled out. Plus, a key Panthers player has been ruled out due to concussion.
NSW star vs Eels: SuperCoach players to watch on Friday Night Footy
Haumole Olakau’atu may have been called into NSW Origin camp, but he’ll still be lining up tonight against a depleted Eels side. See the SuperCoach stars to watch on Friday Night Footy.
‘We’re trying to do a deal’: Broncos to pony up for Reynolds
The Brisbane Broncos have been sparked into action by Adam Reynolds’ revelation that the Wests Tigers are chasing his services for 2026, with a new deal for the playmaker expected to be revealed in the near future.