First,‘The Hammer’ beat his rival to his own kick – knocking the ball dead as the two speedsters sprinted shoulder to shoulder.
Then,with the final play of the game,Sloan was in the clear,reaching out desperately,only for Tabuai-Fidow to deny him once again.
But the small moment in that tunnel in the aftermath of the contest signalled the respect the duo had for one another,and revealed a telling insight into Tabuai-Fidow’s motivation.
It is an insight that spells danger for young fullbacks Keano Kini[Titans] and Jahream Bula[Tigers] in the coming weeks,before a mouthwatering showdown with Broncos sensation Reece Walsh.
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“I go in to sort of try and beat my opposition,” Tabuai-Fidow said.
“I try to take that mindset in,to try and win as much as I can there against your opposite number.
“It’s pretty big for me to try and compete on every play,whenever the time is and whatever tackle it is.”
Bennett was quick to send a message to his squad,after an underwhelming outing against North Queensland.
The 43-18 thumping at Suncorp Stadium was not met with thoughts of opening round jitters,withthe master coach instead swinging the axe on halfback Sean O’Sullivan and centre Tesi Niu.
Isaiya Katoa and Jake Averillo stood up in their place,the former in particular guiding the side with a level of composure that bellied his 20 tender years.
According to Dolphins hooker Jeremy Marshall-King,every member of the 17 who walked off against the Cowboys received some stern messaging from Bennett about accountability.
The selection bombshells sent a warning to the group – poor showings would not be tolerated.
Despite being taken from the field for a head injury assessment after a Ben Hunt kick cannoned the ball into his head,the Kiwi gun returned to his best against the Dragons;scoring a try while finishing with a linebreak,try-assist and linebreak assist.
“Everyone got a talking to about our performance last week,and we really needed to change that,” Marshall-King said.
“When I play my best I’m backing myself and doing the little things right in the effort areas. I wasn’t happy with my efforts last week,and I needed to change and step up my game.”
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