Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has confirmed he’ll play for Samoa instead of Australia at next year’s World Cup, and was likely to choose the Pacific nation this year as well. Rumours had been swirling for months that the Queensland Origin star was considering switching allegiances after playing six Tests for Australia – including last year’s Pacific Championships triumph.
But a leg injury ruled him out of the post-season internationals, meaning he didn’t have to reveal who he would have played for. The Hammer would have been picked in Walters’ Kangaroos squad for the Ashes in England, but also would have walked into the Samoa squad for the Pacific Championships.
Kevin Walters (L) alongside Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Kangaroos players (R). Image: Getty
Only on Tuesday did he finally reveal that he’s chosen Samoa, joining Payne Haas in switching allegiances from Australia. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has remained loyal to Australia for the Ashes, but is believed to be considering switching to Samoa next year for the World Cup.
Tabuai-Fidow confirmed his return to Samoan blue at a fan day on Thursday, after playing one Test for the Pacific nation in 2022 before debuting for the Kangaroos. His announcement drew cheers from close to 10,000 people at the fan day in Brisbane.
“It’s absolutely huge, it’s been in the pipeline for quite some time,” Samoa coach Ben Gardiner told AAP. “To be able to have the opportunity like this today to make a huge announcement leading into next year’s World Cup is pretty exciting for us.”
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has played six Tests for Australia, but is switching back to Samoa. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Huge boost for Samoa ahead of World Cup in 2026
Samoa already have six current State of Origin players in their team for Sunday’s blockbuster against Tonga. Stephen Crichton will return to their backline for next year’s World Cup after missing the current tournament with injury, while Taylan May has also been ruled out.
Tabuai-Fidow will likely wear the No.1 jersey in next year’s World Cup, with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck shifting out wider or potentially switching back to rugby. “It boosts the team, and it inspires the team to know there is another elite player coming to join us,” Gardiner said.
“It adds a different dynamic to the team. He adds speed and another real big game breaker for us. We’re looking at this week and this tournament first. But we’re making no secret that we’re working our way towards the World Cup in 2026.”
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Fresh blow amid pressure on Kevin Walters
Tabuai-Fidow’s defection is another hammer blow for Walters, amid uncertainty surrounding his future as Kangaroos coach. The former Broncos boss is technically only signed for the Ashes series, and needs to impress in England to secure the job for the World Cup.
Discussing the situation on Triple M radio, leading reporter Michael Carayannis suggested the Kangaroos would need a 3-0 sweep to guarantee Walters keeps the job. “He has to win. If he doesn’t win he won’t be the coach next year,” Carayannis said. “Even if he wins, I think it’d need to be a comprehensive 3-0 victory. I don’t think 2-1 keeps him in the job next year.”