Hammer: ‘That’s when I do play my best footy’

Photo: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in action against the Broncos last month.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow says not overthinking his game plan helped him play freely in the Dolphins’ first win of the 2025 season last weekend.

His side has taken confidence from the 36-10 victory over the Titans but will be wary of a Penrith side desperate to break their own losing streak, when they face-off at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday (7.50pm kick off).

“Getting the win last weekend has put confidence in the team... (but) just going out there and playing against a quality side where we both want to win ... It’s a good challenge for us and something I look forward to as well,” he says.

“Just to get that win (against the Titans), what we’ve worked hard for. It shows what we can do as a team. It’s a good feeling to have.

“I think I had the mindset just to go out and play footy and not to think about it too much. I think, when I do that, I do play freely and I do play better than I have been. It was good to get out there, get involved early in the game and just get my touches (of the football) up.”

He says he didn’t pay too much attention to criticism he received as the Dolphins slumped to four losses in a row.

“I knew what I had to do. I just had to get it right in our trainings and, once I did that, and got my head pretty clear … and not to think about it too much … I just went out there and played footy and it was good.

“I think for myself, just playing freely and not thinking about it too much … that’s when I do play my best footy and I’m out there having fun as well.

“That’s a big thing and a big part of my game is if I go out there with a clear mind, I’m pretty switched on and ready to go.”

Tabuai-Fidow is expecting a fired-up Penrith side for their round-six clash on Thursday night.

“They’ll come out hard this week because they obviously want to have a win. I think we’re up for it and I think it will be a good game,” he says.

Dolphins halfback Isaiya Katoa, who was player of the match against the Titans and ignited the team’s attack with his composed kicking game and 193 run metres, will need to do the same if his side is to beat the Panthers.

Tabuai-Fidow says the 21-year-old is looking forward to going head-to-head with superstar Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary.

“He’s up for it. He’s a good, young player. He’s an excitement machine and, when big games do come, he comes out of his shell too.

“We’re all around him and we’ll back him to play his best footy this week.”

Ray Stone will miss the game due to a one-week suspension for a high tackle in round five.

Stone's absence will make way for the return of Captain Tom Gilbert, starting in the second row after serving a one-game suspension.

Gilbert's return will lead to a reshuffle in the forward pack, with Mark Nicholls moving to the interchange, Max Plath named at lock, and Felise Kaufusi starting in the front row.

Following his late inclusion in Round five's victory, Josh Kerr will retain his spot on the bench, while Sean O'Sullivan has been named as the 18th man.

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