Kevin Walters handed No.1 problem as coach with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow latest player tossing up switch

Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is reportedly considering switching allegiances and playing for Samoa in the Pacific Championships this year, which would be a huge blow for incoming coach Kevin Walters ahead of the historic Ashes tour. Tabuai-Fidow was one of the stars of State of Origin Game 3 having filled in at fullback and helped Queensland win the decider in Sydney.

Tabuai-Fidow would be close to an automatic selection for incoming coach Walters with the Dolphins star able to play in the centres, fullback and wing for his side. But just like Payne Haas and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Tabuai-Fidow is weighing-up whether to play for Samoa going forward, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

Dolphins fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is reportedly considering switching allegiances and playing for Samoa, which would be a huge blow for incoming coach Kevin Walters (pictured left) ahead of the Ashes. (Images: Getty Images)

'The Hammer' played for Samoa in the 2022 World Cup, but was hampered with injury and only featured in one game. He has represented Australia six times since then having won the Pacific Championship last year in a stacked side.

Although it appears he is weighing-up whether to go back and represent Samoa, which he is eligible to do through family heritage. And this hands Walters a new issue as incoming coach. The NRL great is expected to be handed the Kangaroos coaching role any day now. 

Walters appears to have got the job over Cameron Smith and other candidates, which will see him take over his first head coaching role since leaving the Broncos at the end of 2024. Walters will be looking to help lead Australia to victory over England in the first Ashes series since 2003. 

However, his first job as coach could be to persuade the likes of Tabuai-Fidow, Haas and Fa’asuamaleaui from changing allegiances. Samoa lost 3-0 to England last year in their international series, but boast an extremely strong side. Jarome Luai, Stephen Crichton, Brian To'o, Terrell May and Blaize Talagi already make up the squad in a side that is growing in strength.

But Walters would like to keep Tabuai-Fidow in the side who would be in contention to play fullback, or revert to his previous role in the centres, if available for selection. Regardless, Walters is now facing a new task as incoming coach. And the new rule has raised issues.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (pictured right) is reportedly making a rugby league switch to Samoa.

Samoa is not considered a tier-one nation so if Tabuai-Fidow, Haas and Fa’asuamaleaui were to make the switch, they would still be able to continue playing Origin for their respective states. And fans have become increasingly confused and frustrated with reports of players switching.

Many feel the players should only be able to play for one country and not be able to switch after making their debut. However, the argument is State of Origin and the international game is strengthened with as many players getting involved as possible. Samoa will continue to grow in strength and the game will grow if more superstars opt to represent the country.

Payne Haas (pictured left) appears to be tossing up making a rugby league switch to Samoa, where he would join Jarome Luai (pictured middle) and Brian To'o (pictured right).

Veteran reporter Buzz Rothfield suggested rugby league benefits from players making the switch. “I actually think it is great for International rugby league. Australia used to just have to put their jerseys on and turn up to win and the international game was pretty rubbish I thought. But now we have the Pacific Islands, England and New Zealand and I think it is great.”

While not disagreeing, commentator Dan Ginnane suggested it's time to make Samoa and Tonga tier one nations in rugby league. “I like it, but I don’t like it when one of the players intimate, if I don’t get picked for Australia I will go and play for one of the Pacific Nations,” Ginnane said. "I do think we need to get to tier one status for Samoa and Tonga and have some moratorium or amnesty for a year, that whoever wants to go across this is your chance, but that’s it. We can’t have chopping and changing.”

The Kangaroos are yet to officially name a coach, despite Walters close to being confirmed for the role. The Kangaroos will play a three-match Ashes series for the first time since 2003, with the first Test against England getting underway at London's Wembley Stadium on October 25.

NRL legend Brad Fittler was considered a favourite for the role, but withdrew from the race due to his media commitments with Channel Nine. And Walters appears to have won the race ahead of the tour to England with the Broncos legend already facing a dilemma within the squad.

This article originally appeared on Yahoo Sport Australia at https://au.news.yahoo.com/kevin-walters-handed-no1-problem-as-coach-with-hamiso-tabuai-fidow-latest-player-tossing-up-switch-214543317.html

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