Dolphins star Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has been ruled out of international duties after suffering a Grade 3 MCL tear in Sunday’s win over the Canberra Raiders.
The injury comes after the 'Hammer' dominated an understrength Raiders outfit, scoring three tries in only 60 minutes before his knee injury.
In another scintillating season for the QLD Maroon star, he had been expected to represent Samoa in the upcoming Pacific Championships after previously playing for Australia.
Tabuai-Fidow had reportedly been weighing up whether to play for Australia in the Ashes series or Samoa, seemingly leaning toward the Pacific Championships before succumbing to the knee injury.
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The devastating setback means he will now miss the representative event and will spend the offseason focused on rehabilitation.
The 24-year-old fullback has been one of the most dynamic players in the NRL this season, helping the Dolphins post the best attack in the competition.
Despite the disappointment, Tabuai-Fidow will aim to recover fully ahead of the 2026 NRL season.
In the short term, his preseason for the Dolphins will be impacted, but he is in no danger of missing the start of the NRL season.
It is, however, unfortunate timing for the international game, with several stars defecting from the Kangaroos in recent years and excitement already building around Tabuai-Fidow possibly lining up for Samoa.
Samoan fans will now need to wait at least another year to see where the Hammer’s representative future will lie.