Hamiso targets ‘a Lote’ of tries in Origin decider

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Hamiso targets ‘a Lote’ of tries in Origin decider

Queensland speed machine Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is confident he can equal a Maroons record for most tries in a State of Origin series set by Lote Tuqiri and his strike rate suggests that goal is well within reach.

Dual international winger Tuqiri scored five tries in the 2002 Origin series for the Maroons, as NSW centre Ryan Girdler did for the Blues in 2000.

Tabuai-Fidow has four tries in this Origin series and nine overall in his six Origin games.

He has never ******* to score in an Origin match and that bodes well for his chances of equalling Tuqiri’s mark in the decider at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.

“I have seen highlights of Lote growing up and back then he was a really good player. Obviously he got five and, just thinking about it now, hopefully I can chase that (record),” Tabuai-Fidow said.

“Scoring tries is the good part about (Origin). The boys set me up as well. If I do get over for a try I am going to be pretty happy about it. I am just excited to score at Suncorp and in front of our fans.”

Tabuai-Fidow’s club coach Wayne Bennett says the 22-year-old Dolphins No.1 never hits top gear and only runs as fast as he has to.

Tabuai-Fidow said he did have another gear to go to as a centre, a position he mostly only plays in Origin footy.

“I think I have another gear and I can step up another level. Centre is obviously a different position to what I play at clubland and I think I can excel in that position in the Origin arena too,” he said.

“I still have a lot to work on and I think I am only going up as well.”

Tabuai-Fidow was brave in the 38-18 loss to NSW in game two at the MCG where he suffered an AC ****** injury and left the field before returning to score a trademark try.

The injury was caused by NSW centre Stephen Crichton, one of the best players in the world and the man Tabuai-Fidow must mark.

“I am up for the challenge,” Tabuai-Fidow said.

“I have gone up against him a couple of times now and I think the rivalry, and the challenge for me and him, has been really good. I am just excited to go out there and show what I can do.”

Tabuai-Fidow has not played since the Melbourne clash and said he was feeling fresh.

“I hurt my shoulder (at the MCG) and had to come off. I went in the sheds, got a needle and got back out there,” he said.

“Obviously it was a bit sore after the game. I’ve never had an AC (******) injury to the shoulder before. The pain was lingering but having the week off (with the Dolphins) and then the bye helped with the recovery and it settled down.

“Coming into this week it felt pretty good and it should be pretty sweet.”

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