Machibet777 BetHamiso Tabuai-Fidow, The Dolphins, Queensland Maroons, State of Origin, Reuben Cotter, North Queensland Cowboys, Perth, NRL season 2025

Author: Colleen Edwards NRL Reporter
Timestamp: Fri 13 Jun 2025, 10:01 AM

Having played his part in a thrilling contest in Perth last year with the Dolphins, Maroons winger Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is glad to see top-level league return to the west, with Origin Two taking place next Wednesday.

Preparing with the rest of the Queensland squad for the must-win game against the Blues, ‘Hammer’ applauded the initiative to take State of Origin and NRL regular season games to the city as they prepare to welcome their own team in 2027.

“Perth is a spot where they're looking to get a new NRL team in, so just to get games over there, especially an Origin game, just to spark that up is great,” Tabuai-Fidow said.

“We're all excited and I think the fans over there are excited as well.

“I think the big thing is having an Origin game over there.

“A couple of years ago, they played one game over there as well, so I think getting that Origin game and then leading into the weekend to play some NRL games, it's pretty cool for the place.

“I think it’s good for the for the fans that want to join in and be involved.”

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow comes down with a kick against the Roosters when the Dolphins met the Roosters in Perth last year. ©NRL Images

After playing in Origin on Wednesday at Optus Stadium, his side the Dolphins will run out at HBF Park for their Round 15 match up against the Knights.

Despite his side going down to the Roosters 40-34 in front of a record-breaking crowd of 20,027 (the ) in their Round 22 game last year, Tabuai-Fidow said he enjoyed the support of the fans.

“It’s a good place over there to play and it's a beautiful part of the country as well, so I'm excited to get over there,” Tabuai-Fidow said.

Reuben Cotter runs out at Optus Stadium earlier this year. ©NRL Images

Maroons teammate Reuben Cotter travelled with the North Queensland Cowboys to Perth earlier this year for their Round 6 match against the Rabbitohs, playing in Optus Stadium where they snared a 24-16 win.

Part of a double header which also featured the Cronulla Sharks and Manly Sea Eagles, the Cowboys co-captain said was looking forward to returning to the venue where he had experienced success.

“We played at Optus, so that was a good stadium, good track,” Cotter said.

“It's obviously an oval, so you're a bit further away from the crowd, but it's a great place (to play).

“Perth, it's a beautiful city and I really enjoyed my time there while we were there this year.

“Looking forward to getting back there.”