Queensland rugby league icon Cameron Smith has shared his insights on coach Billy Slater’s decision to select Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow as fullback over Reece Walsh. Speaking on Nine’s Today, Smith remarked that Tabuai-Fidow’s involvement in the first two games of the series has given him the advantage in the selection process.
While acknowledging Walsh’s impressive return to form with the Broncos, Smith expressed concerns about Walsh’s fitness. Despite a solid performance in his latest game, where he made 126 run metres and assisted in a try during the Broncos’ victory over the Warriors, Smith noted that Walsh has shown signs of struggling with a lingering knee injury that had sidelined him for six weeks.
In contrast, Smith praised Tabuai-Fidow for his exceptional performance in the Dolphins’ decisive win against the Rabbitohs, where he scored four tries, achieved 264 run metres, and completed seven tackle breaks. This level of fitness and form, as well as Tabuai-Fidow’s familiarity with the game plan, were crucial factors in Slater’s selection for the forthcoming decider.
Smith believes that choosing a fully fit player who is well-acquainted with the series strategy is a sensible move, especially for such a pivotal match. He is confident that Tabuai-Fidow, who also had a strong showing recently, will perform well donning the No.1 jersey.